The Somali Community led by the Coast Region Somali Community Chairman have called for a peaceful demonstration and equal protection by the government against property destruction.

This follows the recent demonstrations in Mombasa where the Cafe Point Hotel was vandalized by rogue demonstrators as several vehicles were set ablaze.

Addressing the press in Voi town on Wednesday, the Somali community in the Coast Region, led by Chairman Mohammed Ibrahim Noor, described the recent situation in Mombasa as dangerous for the property owner and condemned the targeting of businesses based on community affiliation.

The chairman voiced their concerns and demands for equal protection and peaceful protests.

We request the government to protect the Somali Community, it’s not that I’m the chairman of the Somali Community that I’m defending just my community but I want all the communities, all the citizens and their properties to be protected by the government

said Noor

While emphasizing the importance of protecting all communities and ensuring that peaceful protests do not result in the destruction of property and loss of lives, Noor stressed that all Kenyans, regardless of their community, deserve equal protection under the law.

“We are all Kenyans, and as we live as Kenyans, we want our rights to be equal just like that of others,” Noor stated urging President William Ruto’s government to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens and their properties.

Noor also called on youths to engage in peaceful demonstrations and refrain from damaging businesses and institutions.

“We are urging our youths to refrain from causing damages to businesses or any private institutions including the government offices. That’s our biggest statement that we as the Somali Community wish to bring forth to our youths,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Idris Mohammed, an activist from Voi, during a peaceful demonstration in the streets of Voi on Wednesday evening as a section of youths were calling for peaceful demonstration conducted by Gen Z who are dissatisfied by the government of the day.

Idris, who supported the right to demonstrate as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, condemned the misuse of protests by rogue demonstrators to destroy property.

He urged the youths to refrain from breaking into people’s business and properties and instead air out their views to the government in a peaceful and respectful manner.

“We are not against demonstrations because it’s the right for any Kenyan, but let’s not use demonstrations to destroy other people’s properties,” he said.

He urged the government to take action against those who violate the law during demonstrations.

Idris further called on President Ruto to listen to the grievances of the youth, particularly regarding corruption that has turned out to be thorn in the country.

The activist criticized the lavish contributions of some MPs in public events while the youth struggle with unemployment and poverty.

“I want to urge our president, what Gen Zs are talking about, are things that needs to be weighed because the youths feel like you are not listening to them. We urge you to listen to the youths,” said the activist.

Idris urged the government to abolish non-essential offices and redirect funds towards development. He specifically called for the removal of the office of the First Lady and other non-productive offices.

“We want the salary increment for MPs and other government officers to be removed and the funds used to pay doctors and teachers, including purchasing medicine in our hospitals,” he said.

“We also want to put SRC on notice that we won’t seat back and watch our youths languishing in poverty as you review MPs and other government officer’s salaries upward. We want the salary increment for the MPs and other government officers to be removed and the funds used to pay doctors and teachers including purchasing medicine in our hospitals,” he added.

He highlighted the dire situation in Taita Taveta County, where healthcare services and educational facilities are severely underfunded.

Mary, a resident of Voi, raised her voice to the growing concerns about the economic challenges facing the youth, lamenting the high cost of living and the lack of job opportunities for graduates.

Mary highlighted the struggles of parents who have invested in their children’s education only to see them unable to secure meaningful employment.

“We have children, we have taken our youths to school, some are graduates and are out here without jobs,” Mary said criticizing the government’s focus on sending youths abroad for jobs instead of creating opportunities within Kenya.

She also expressed frustration with the government’s decision to increase the salaries of MPs while essential services like healthcare and education suffer due to lack of funding.

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