NAIROBI, Kenya – Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has slammed the government’s use of force to quell public dissent, warning that no amount of police power will insulate it from the wrath of a frustrated population.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Natembeya said the government has become “tone deaf” to citizens’ concerns and is now hiding behind a wall of repression — a tactic he believes is bound to collapse.
“If today one million Kenyans walked to State House, what are they going to do? Are they going to kill everybody? All these walls we build around ourselves as leaders are fake. They can just crumble. At the end of the day, power is with the people,” Natembeya said.
His remarks come in the aftermath of the deadly Saba Saba Day protests, during which 31 people were killed and 107 others injured, according to figures released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Tuesday evening.
The governor criticized the state for failing to listen to Kenyans, especially the youth, who have been at the forefront of demonstrations against poor governance, a weak economy, and widespread corruption.
“We have done a huge disservice to this country. Unemployment is now almost at 60%. You can go to school, graduate, and still live a whole lifetime without a job,” he said. “That’s what the young people are talking about. We are taking it very casually and we think because we are leaders, we are very safe.”
Natembeya also called on President William Ruto to “put his house in order,” arguing that a return to meaningful dialogue and economic reform is the only path to national stability.
His comments reflect growing concern among political leaders and civil society over the government’s response to nationwide protests.
Human rights groups have condemned the police’s aggressive tactics, accusing officers of chasing unarmed protesters into homes and estates, particularly in Nairobi.
Since last year’s anti-tax demonstrations, Kenya’s youth have remained vocal in demanding accountable leadership and social justice, staging protests that have increasingly drawn violent responses from security forces.
