Fred Matiang’i Breaks Silence on Gen Z Protests, Sends Stern Message to Police: “Exercise Restraint”
- Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has identified himself with Kenyans who went to the streets on Wednesday, June 25
- He said the young population is justified in expressing their grievances to the state through mass action protests
- Matiang'i discouraged the law enforcement agents from responding to the protesters with brutal force
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has defended Kenyans taking to the streets to commemorate the killings of their fellows last year, as well as protest against maladministration on the side of the current regime in power.
Source: Getty Images
In a statement on Wednesday, June 25, Matiang'i said the issues raised by the young protesters, besides remembering their fallen fellows, are pertinent to the country and ought to be addressed.
"Thousands of young people have today gathered in cities and towns across Kenya to mark the tragic events of June 25, 2024, and to honour the memory of the Gen Z protesters who lost their lives during that time. Protestors last year were voicing concerns over the Finance Bill 2024, punitive tax policies, the mismanagement of public resources, reduced government funding to universities, and broader issues of governance," he said.
Matiang'i stated that the citizenry reserves every right to express their dissatisfaction with the regime, seeming to throw his weight behind them.
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What is Matiang'i's message to William Ruto?
He called on President William Ruto to consider addressing the pressing issues that send the young people to the streets often; he said "I fully associate myself with the sentiments that they expressed. I urge the government not to harden its heart but to genuinely listen to the citizens' cry for justice and reform."
At the same time, Matiang'i petitioned the law enforcers to tone down the force they use while handling the unarmed protesters.
"I also make a heartfelt plea to our security officers: please do not turn your weapons on your fellow citizens, exercise restraint and sobriety. Do not meet peaceful protests with force," he said.
He counselled the regime to engage the angry populace cordially and seek solutions to the challenges they outlined through various means and platforms.
"It is only through dialogue and a genuine willingness to listen that we will find a path to the peaceful resolution of grievances and the restoration of calm in our beloved nation. Use of force by the authorities will only deepen the crisis and push the country down a dangerous and slippery slope," he said.
Source: Facebook
The former CS also consoled the families whose kin were killed in last and this year's protests.
He called for unity and sobriety as the nation navigates such economic and political turmoil.
"Regardless of our political affiliations or the divides that exist among us, this is a time to pull together and reflect deeply on the foundations of our nation. We must come together across party lines and generations, to fix what is broken and build a future that is just, accountable, and inclusive."
Matiang'i seeks to be the president in 2027; he was endorsed by the Jubilee Party under former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
How Matiang'i is shaping his 2027 presidential bid
Recently, Matiang’i signalled his intention to approach Kenya’s often turbulent political landscape with a composed and measured tone, distancing himself from the confrontational style commonly associated with career politicians.
He emphasised that his campaign would prioritise addressing the real challenges of everyday citizens.
The 2027 presidential candidate stated that his platform would be built on practical solutions to the country’s most urgent problems, rather than engaging in inflammatory rhetoric or personal attacks on opponents.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
