KAJIADO, Kenya – Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called on Kenyan youth to preserve the integrity of their protests by ensuring they remain peaceful, warning that the infiltration of criminal elements risks damaging the country’s economic prospects and global reputation.
Speaking on Friday during a visit to the Ngong Veg farm and processing facility in Kajiado County, Kagwe acknowledged the youth’s constitutional right to protest, but cautioned that escalating violence could deter investment and cost jobs — especially in agriculture, which remains a vital sector for millions of Kenyans.
“Whose country is this? It is ours, and we must protect it,” said Kagwe. “When criminals infiltrate peaceful movements and cause destruction, they don’t just damage property — they damage Kenya’s reputation.”
The CS warned that the perception of instability, even if not widespread, sends the wrong signals to international investors who may choose to redirect capital elsewhere, even to less democratic but more stable environments.
“If this continues, investors may choose other, even less democratic but peaceful countries,” he said. “This means fewer job opportunities, particularly in agriculture.”
Kagwe further appealed to young protesters to consider the long-term consequences of unrest, warning that violent demonstrations could derail the very future they are fighting to secure.
“Jobs are the real solution to frustration. But jobs need peace, security, and a stable environment to grow,” he said. “If we let violence and lawlessness take over, we kill the very future we’re trying to build.”
His comments come amid continued nationwide demonstrations driven largely by young Kenyans demanding political accountability, economic reform, and improved public services.
While most protests have remained peaceful, pockets of violence and looting have been reported in several towns, prompting concern from government officials and business leaders.
Kagwe urged the Ministry of Interior to take firm action against criminal gangs exploiting the Gen Z-led protests to commit crimes under the guise of activism.
“Our young people must rise to defend their country’s future. Don’t let criminals speak for you,” he said.
He challenged the youth not only to hold leaders accountable, but also to defend national stability as a prerequisite for real change and sustainable development.
“Peaceful protest is a right. But we must not allow criminals to hijack that right and ruin the hopes of an entire generation,” Kagwe concluded.
