KAKAMEGA – Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has appealed to the national government to release youth protestors arrested during recent anti-government protests after government post protest crackdown urging government to prioritize national dialogue and consensus building to resolve the underlying issues.
Speaking from the county headquarters on Wednesday, Barasa urged the police to free those held in custody and asked courts to grant bail to youth facing charges. “I want to request the national government and security agencies to release the youth in custody,” Barasa said. “The government should also waive hospital bills for those injured so they can fully participate in national dialogue.”
Barasa backed opposition leader Raila Odinga’s proposal for a generational dialogue, describing it as a step toward healing and reconciliation following weeks of unrest. “I support my party leader Raila Odinga’s call for a generational conclave to create room for constructive dialogue with the youth,” he stated.
The nationwide demonstrations, which escalated in major towns in late June and early July, were motivated by the neglect of citizens concerns by the Kenya Kwanza administration, unemployment, and high cost of living and basic commodities. Authorities responded with arrests and detentions of protestors. Dozens of youth remain in detention, and others are recovering from injuries.
Barasa also called on county governments to ease the burden on families by waiving medical bills for injured protesters receiving care in public hospitals. He stressed the need for mutual respect in ongoing conversations, urging young people to express their frustrations peacefully without insulting national or county officials.
“It is important that we have this dialogue,” he said. “As a county government, we will continue to engage our youths to address their challenges, including unemployment.”
Barasa’s remarks come as calls grow across political and civil society circles for a national conversation focused on youth needs, economic inclusion, and governance reforms. The proposed dialogue initiative, if adopted, would mark the first formal national engagement platform with Kenya’s youth since the protests erupted.
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