Nyamira , Kenya July 16- Prominent businessman Robinas Makana has urged citizens to demonstrate peacefully demonstrations without resorting to violence or destruction of property, in response to recent protests in Nyamira over the skyrocketing cost of living.
Speaking at the Brown SDA Church on July 15, 2023, Makana emphasized the importance of peaceful picketing as a constitutionally protected right under Article 37 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution ,but stressed that it should not involve harming others or destroying public facilities.
The call for peaceful protests came during a fundraising event aimed at constructing a perimeter wall for the Brown SDA Church, where over 1 million Kenyan Shillings were raised.
Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama , who is also eyeing Nyamira County gubernatorial seat 2027, serving as the chief guest, generously contributed Ksh 120,000 towards the initiative.
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Arama’s representative Makana had also previously raised funds for the construction of churches in Risa SDA and Ritibo within the Kitutu Masaba Constituency.
The recent protests in Nyamira County saw demonstrators block several roads and set tires on fire to draw attention to the pressing issue of the unaffordable cost of living.
However, Makana emphasized that while the burden is heavy, peaceful demonstrations are the appropriate way to address grievances and push for change.
Addressing the county’s leadership, Makana called for more efficient service delivery to ease the burdens faced by the citizens.
He firmly reiterated that with effective leadership, Nyamira County had the potential to rise and become more developed, catching up with her counterparts in Kenya.
Nyamira County Assembly Speaker, Enock Okero, echoed Makana’s sentiments and urged the church to pray for peace amidst the ongoing protests.
Township MCA Duke Masira also expressed his commitment to join other Azimio leaders in organizing peaceful demonstrations in Nyamira from Wednesday to Friday.
He argued that the average citizen could no longer afford three meals a day, as the prices of essential goods and fuel continue to surge.
Itibo MCA added an ultimatum to the Nyamira Governor, demanding the immediate disbursement of bursary funds to student accounts within two days.
Failure to meet this demand, he warned, would result in a massive demonstration, representing the frustrations of the people in Nyamira County.
Bonyamatuta MCA also acknowledged the severity of the economic situation in Kenya, where the cost of living remains high and poses significant challenges to the citizens.
The fundraising event at Brown SDA Church was well-attended by other political leaders, including Nyamaiya MCA Elija Osiemo, Esise MCA Josiah Obegi, Kiabonyoru MCA Thomas Benecha, Gesima MCA, and Manga MCA Samuel Ogeto.
Former CEC Jackline Kemunto and former MCa Barongo were also present at the event, showing their solidarity with the church’s efforts.
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