Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege has urged Kenyan leaders to prioritise action over rhetoric as the country grapples with nationwide protests and growing youth frustration.
“As leaders, we need to speak less and act more. Kenyans are frustrated from all corners, and the reasons they are protesting shouldn’t be exploited or inflamed by those seeking to benefit.”
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on July 1, 2025, Chege cautioned against political exploitation of the ongoing unrest, calling instead for unity, accountability, and a collective effort to address the root causes of discontent.
“Let us not misuse the freedom of expression we enjoy right now, and leaders shouldn’t exploit Kenya’s current situation. If the country burns, we all burn—we are all in it together,” she said.
Speaking on the sidelines of a public engagement, Chege emphasised that it is not the time for grandstanding but for tangible solutions that respond to the cries of ordinary citizens.
“Kenyans are frustrated by many things that are not happening; as leaders, we need to speak less and act more. Kenyans are frustrated from all corners, and the reasons they are protesting shouldn’t be exploited or inflamed by those seeking to benefit,” she added.
Cause of frustrations
She mourned the death of Boniface Kariuki, a young mask vendor shot by police during recent protests, calling it a tragic reminder of the consequences of state overreach. “We have lost a young generation, our future. Every other week, we are losing young people—it is unfortunate that Kenya has reached this point.”
Chege linked the national frustration to long-standing issues like youth unemployment and perceived inequalities in the employment system. She called for open dialogue and policy reform. “Let us manage the youths; we can find ways to handle them. They have many challenges, one being unemployment, and they feel the employment system is unfair. We can incorporate transparency.”
Highlighting the long-term impact of neglecting the younger generation, she said, “What we expose our children to is what they will become—adults with no hurts. It’s a case of ‘garbage in, garbage out,’ leading to a generation full of hopelessness.”
Chege also criticised political actors who hijack protests for personal gain. “We as leaders should not take advantage of the youths whose agenda was to commemorate, as seen in the June 25 protest. People with different mindsets infiltrated the demos, and the aftermath is not good at all.”
On the role of opposition, she reflected, “Opposition is sweet; you look at the weakest point of your opponent and hammer it. But once you’re in that seat, you realise the challenge would have been tackled differently.”
