Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the youth in the country to keep peace and shun violence recently witnessed in the countrywide protests.
The DP speaking during the burial of his elder sister Leah Wangari Muriuki at Mirera village in Laikipia East constituency, observed that the protests had been infiltrated and allegedly hijacked by criminals who were engaged in looting.
“I want to, as a father to appeal to my children my sons and daughters listen to us as your parents, we wish to plead with you to call off the protests so that criminals do not hijack them and engage in criminal activities, The DP pleaded.
He noted that the President had already ceded ground to the demands of the protesters by directing the withdrawal of the contentious 2024 Finance bill and therefore the need to remain peaceful and stop the protests.
“Now that you have been heard, mechanisms are being worked on how the issues you raised will be addressed,” Gachagua said while addressing the mourners.
The DP stated that once the youth call off the protests, the security agencies will be in a better position to deal with criminals decisively in accordance with the laws of the county.
The funeral was attended by several lawmakers both from the Senate and the National Assembly and three governors from the counties of Laikipia, Nyeri and Nyandarua.
However, conspicuously absent was Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, who is the area MP and area Woman Representative Jane Kagiri.
Meru Senator, Kathuri Murungi who is also the Senate deputy speaker said that lawmakers had agreed to decline the recent salary increment announced by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
“The nation is undergoing a lot of economic challenges, this is not the right time to award salary increases,” Murungi said.
President William Ruto whose condolences to the family were relayed by the DP described the late Wangari as a loving mother and wife who impacted positively in society.
Wangari 82, leaves behind a widower and six children.
By Martin Munyi
