Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on both the national and county governments to waive medical bills for young people injured during recent anti-government demonstrations.

Speaking on Wednesday at the county headquarters during the nomination of chief officers to serve in his administration, Barasa said many families were struggling to foot medical bills after their children were hurt while participating in the Gen Z-led protests.

“These are our children, our future. We must show them that we care. I urge both levels of government to consider waiving hospital fees for all young people who were injured in the protests. This will go a long way in showing them that their voices matter and that their pain has not been ignored,” said Barasa.

Barasa backed ODM Party leader Raila Odinga’s call for dialogue between youths and the government, urging President William Ruto to initiate a national dialogue that includes young people, religious leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders to address the grievances raised in the ongoing demonstrations.

Raila had earlier said the initiative will be essential in charting a new, all-inclusive course for the country. He proposed that participants should be selected from across the 47 counties.

“I support my party leader on the calls for an intergenerational conclave because most of the problems affecting our country at the moment can only be solved by dialogue,” Barasa said.

However, Barasa expressed his reservations about holding the conversation without releasing the youth still held in custody, facing various criminal allegations associated with the Sabasaba demonstrations.

“I request our security agencies that in case they are holding any youths who participated in the Saba Saba riots, then they should release them so they can come out and dialogue with the government,” he said.

He added, “Here in Kakamega, I recently had a youth dialogue forum, and 80 percent of the problems presented were unemployment. I implore the national government to have a bigger youth forum that will have representation from the whole country,” he added.

Barasa said he is initiating a dialogue with the youths in his county.

“We cannot afford to look away. The youth are raising genuine concerns about the high cost of living, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. We need to listen, not intimidate,” he added.

The legislator requested that the police agencies release all protesters and set them free.

“It is only dialogue that can address some of these issues in our country, and on behalf of the people of Kakamega, I want to say that as a government we support the youths, but let them also respect the national government leaders and not abuse them or county officials,” he said.

“The major challenge these young people have is unemployment, and I will ensure I talk to them and guide them,” he added.

Barasa emphasised the need for effective leadership at the county level and tasked the nominees with improving service delivery once confirmed.

His remarks come in the wake of weeks of nationwide youth-led protests against the high cost of living, corruption, and poor governance.

 The protests turned violent, with several young people injured or killed and others arrested.