A section of Murang’a residents condemned the ongoing Azimio la Umoja anti-government demonstrations Tuesday, saying they were derailing development in the country.
While airing their views to the media at Mukuyu market in Murang’a town, they said they do not advocate for protests since they are likely to lead to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Earlier on, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Leader Raila Odinga reiterated plans to hold anti-government protests from Wednesday to Friday, despite stern warnings from the government.
Bernard Wanja, a resident and boda boda rider, said that they will not allow mayhem to destroy people’s property and lead to the loss of lives.
“I urge my fellow boda boda operators not to participate in the planned protests,” he said, adding that they should continue with their daily activities to earn a living.
Wanja cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used by a few political leaders to propagate their own selfish agenda.
“I urge the people in the county to co-exist peacefully in a bid to create cohesion in the wake of chaotic anti-government demonstrations in parts of the country,” he said.
Another resident, Phyllis Waithera, said the demonstrations only serve to hinder normal businesses as well as school activities for fear of violence.
“During such days, we fear taking our children to school because of sporadic violence,” she said, adding that as a mother, she feels sad when we lose our children as a result of senseless demonstrations.
Waithera urged the county administration to put in place adequate measures to safeguard people and their properties in case of any eventuality.
Yet another resident, John Ndirangu, said that he doesn’t support the ongoing demonstrations and urged the government not to allow the same to take place across the country.
“The national and county governments should put a stop to any anti-government demonstrations since they are disrupting the development of the country,” he said.
By Anita Omwenga
