Kajiado: Leaders and the local community from Kajiado North Sub-County on Thursday held a day-long meeting to address and discuss security matters following protests that were held on June 25 that had seen businesses premises destroyed. Held at Beacon of Hope in Ongata Rongai and chaired by the Ngong Assistant County Commissioner, Metrin Matingi, various leaders called for an increase in police personnel in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, Onesmus Ngogoyo, the MP for Kajiado North, stated that the police-to-population ratio in Rongai was too low and thus overwhelmed by demonstrators. Ongata Rongai was one of the areas that the protests immensely affected, with a lot of business premises destroyed, cars vandalized, and lives lost. Ngogoyo emphasized that while peaceful protests are constitutionally allowed, individuals should not protest in areas where they do not belong.
Titoh Matheka, the MCA of Ongata Rongai, reinforced that destructive protests are not allowed in the country and highlighted the importance of collaboration between leaders and community members to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
Steven Ngatho, the MCA of Olkeri Ward, appealed to the police to avoid using excessive force during demonstrations. Meanwhile, Tom Achiya, the Sub-County police commander of Kajiado North, recounted the challenges faced in controlling protestors and condemned the looting and destruction of property. Achiya pledged to enhance security measures during protests and advised protestors to avoid disrupting businesses.
Bishop Henry Omae, co-chair of the peace committee of Kajiado North, advocated for peaceful coexistence and urged the government to establish conflict resolution mechanisms. Representatives from the private security sector encouraged youths to pursue training for improved employment opportunities as a means to combat unemployment in Ongata Rongai.
Business owners and the matatu owners' association expressed their distress over the losses incurred and called on MPs, MCAs, and law enforcement to safeguard their businesses during protests. They also requested more security forums to communicate their grievances.
Dennis Kariuki, representing institutions of higher learning in Ongata Rongai, urged university and college students to maintain decorum when expressing grievances or participating in protests, acknowledging that unemployment is a driving factor behind youth involvement in demonstrations.
In attendance were the Member of Parliament for Kajiado, Onesmus Ngogoyo; the Member of County Assembly of Ongata Rongai, Titoh Matheka; the Member of County Assembly for Olkeri Ward, Steven Ngatho; the Sub-County police commander of Kajiado North, Tom Achiya; the OCS of Ongata Rongai, Duncan Mwangi; chiefs from Kajiado North; business owners; members of the matatu owners' association; youths; and members of Ongata Rongai.