As Gen Z across the country warms up to take to the streets to demonstrate in commemoration of the July 7, 1990 riots, famously known as "Saba Saba", a human rights activist from Trans Nzoia, Immaculate Shamala, has offered motherly advice to them.

Speaking exclusively to in Kitale on Sunday, July 6, Shamala passionately appealed to young Kenyans to respect their parents and other senior members of society, even during their protests.

She also asked them to give room for the government to address all the issues they have been raising.

“I am not a Gen Z like you, but one fact is that at some point, I was also a youth with ambitions. I agree that you have genuine issues, including unemployment, but again, it is not only a Kenyan problem. As a mother, I urge you to respect President William Ruto and give his administration time to address your concerns,” the activist said.

On perceived leadership and governance inadequacies, the vocal defender of women and children's rights called on the youthful population to take advantage of their numbers and prepare to take over leadership from current leaders.

She also expressed the need for the young Kenyans to uphold the rule of law, even as they push for their issues to be addressed.

“We, the Gen X, are ready to hand over the leadership of this country to you. While you want to occupy the State House, you need to do so in legal ways. Just prepare to contest in the next general election so that you can occupy County assemblies, the national assembly, the senate, county government headquarters and even the State House,” she stated.

She expressed her concerns that, should violent protests continue, the country could sink into anarchy and that many more lives could be lost in the riots.

Meanwhile, Tumaini Baptist Church Kitale faithful dedicated their Sunday service to pray for the country ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba protests.

Led by Reverend James Kariuki, the church held a dialogue between some law enforcement agencies and some Gen Zs.

The officers, led by Tobias Barasa and Richard Simiyu, urged Kenyan youth to respect them as their brothers and sisters, committed to protecting them and their property.

“We truly acknowledge that you have rights as enshrined in our Constitution, but again, you should remember that your rights end where mine begin. We do not want you to fear us, but we ask for mutual respect,” Simiyu said.

On their part, Gen Zs led by Ester Mandila and Barrack Isaiahs appealed to the government to urgently address their concerns.

They said most of them were disappointed that the promises the government gave have never been fulfilled.

“We want to see the end of police brutality and respect for the rule of law,” a Gen Z noted.

After the event, the Gen Zs and the security officers hugged to symbolise the end of their perceived enmity.

Earlier, reported that the Motorists' Association had issued a statement expressing their concerns ahead of Saba Saba protests.

The association listed five demands they wanted the police to address.

They noted that it was a constitutional duty of the police to protect every Kenyan, including them..

Source: TUKO.co.ke