Gov’t Calls for Parental Guidance After Youth-Led Protests Turn Violent
BOMET — The government has issued a stern appeal to parents, religious leaders, and elders across Kenya to actively guide the youth toward peaceful civic engagement following violent demonstrations that rocked the country last week.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo made the call Monday during the official launch of Mutarakwa and Kapletundo divisions in Bomet County. He condemned the destruction witnessed during protests on Wednesday, which included the torching of police stations and security vehicles and the looting of private businesses.
“Please let’s counsel our children when they go astray,” Omollo said. “Kenya is a country of laws, and those who feel aggrieved have a right to vent within the bounds of our laws.”
The PS warned that Kenya remains vulnerable to disorder and stressed the responsibility of society to defend institutions that anchor the country’s democracy. His statement follows a series of youth-led protests that escalated in June 2024, culminating in clashes with police and destruction of public property.
“We will arraign a couple of individuals in court this week,” he confirmed. “Do not allow selfish politicians and individuals to use you as pawns. They will not be there when the law catches up with you.”
Omollo said a small group had hijacked the youth movement’s legitimate calls for accountability and inclusion, turning them into coordinated acts of violence. He added that democracy requires more than holding elections it demands ongoing participation through lawful, informed engagement.
“We are breeding a pervasive culture of impunity when we allow such actions to go unchallenged,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to revisit Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, to strengthen safeguards against criminal infiltration during protests.
“If you have a problem with the current leaders, elections are barely two years away. That is your chance to present your ideas and earn the public’s mandate,” Omollo added.
Expansion of Administrative Units
During the same event, Dr. Omollo announced the creation of 1,105 new administrative units for the 2024/25 financial year. These include 24 sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 675 sub-locations.
The new units, including the Mutarakwa Division (Bomet Central) and Kapletundo Division (Sotik), are part of a broader plan to decentralize government services and expand state presence at the grassroots level.
He said a Cabinet memorandum and policy framework have been developed to guide the rollout, ensuring each administrative unit has adequate lower-level divisions to serve communities effectively.
“This effort is about making government services more accessible and responsive to local needs,” Omollo stated.
The government’s focus remains on maintaining public order while addressing the root causes of discontent. As the dust settles on last week’s unrest, the Interior Ministry has made it clear: civic expression must not come at the expense of public safety or national unity.
