Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on the youth to keep off the anti-government protests called by the opposition.
The opposition Azimio coalition has called for three days of countrywide demonstrations to protest against tax hikes and the high cost of living, beginning today, Wednesday to Friday.
Governor Achani called on the youth to help in the maintenance and sustenance of peace in the county and country.
She has cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used to instigate violence and cause trouble.
She said the youth should strive to safeguard and uphold the peaceful atmosphere in Kwale.
According to Achani, it was prudent for every youth to see themselves as peace agents and live together in harmony to enable the maintenance of peace and security to always prevail in Kwale.
The county boss says the coastal county thrives on a fragile tourism sector that is sensitive to violent protests.
“The fragile tourism sector is our economic mainstay, and we should jealously guard it from any interference that would scare away holidaymakers,” she said.
She warned that such planned protests were aimed at bringing down the country and the incumbent administration of Kenya Kwanza.
Achani stressed that the anti-government demonstrations could result in deadly stand-offs with the police and degenerate into looting, stealing, destroying properties, and killing innocent citizens.
“As local leadership, we are urging the youth not to be deceived by the antics of those claiming to be fighting their cause,” she said, calling for calm.
Speaking to the media in her office in Kwale town, the UDA Governor said she believes there is no need for violence and asked religious leaders to inculcate peace values among the youth.
Achani further advised well-meaning residents to embrace peace, eschew violence, and not allow themselves to be cajoled into joining illegal protests called by aggrieved groups, individuals, and politicians pretending to be agitating for a better Kenya.
“We want the residents to continue to pray for peace in our county and country as they pursue their socio-economic activities,” she said.
She highlighted the need for the youth to come together as one people with a common interest, which aims at building and maintaining the peace of Kwale and Kenya at large.
By Hussein Abdullahi
