Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has strongly criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration’s narrative that recent protests, primarily led by the youth, are part of an effort to overthrow the government.
The senator labeled these accusations as a misguided attempt by the government to deflect blame for the unrest, rather than addressing the underlying issues driving the protests.
Speaking during Morning Cafe talkshow on TV47, Senator Nyutu dismissed the government’s accusations that the opposition was inciting attempts to destabilize the country through public demonstrations terming them as “cheap talk.”
“When they say the youth want to overthrow the government, does that even make sense? It’s a tired and cheap argument, because to overthrow a government, one would need to take over the military and media stations.” Nyutu remarked.
The government’s argument centers on the idea that the protests, which have included looting, violence, and loss of life, are part of a broader plot by “retrogressive elements” to force a regime change.
On their part key opposition figures including former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former DP Rigathi Gachagua among others have refuted claims of funding the recent wave of protests arguing that the protests are a legitimate response to the frustrations felt by the Kenyan public, particularly the youth.
At the same time, the proposed national dialogue, led by Raila Odinga, remains a contentious issue. Nyutu believes the chances of a successful dialogue are slim, largely due to the profound lack of trust between the government and the public.
“The problem with the national dialogue proposed by Raila Odinga is a deficit of trust. The major issue we have with the youth is not just unemployment, it’s about human rights violations, killings, and abductions.” added Joe Nyutu
These sentiments add to the hardline by the opposition who have denied dialogue engagements with the government despite Ruto’s regime fronting it as a unifying factor after a series of unrest in the country.
