Tension is high in Kapsabet town in Nandi County where youth armed with rungus have gathered to stop planned demos against Governor Stephen Sang.
The armed youth have stationed themselves at Namgoi centre along the road to Eldoret where the protesters were to gather.
Residents led by former MP Alfred Keter have been mobilizing for the protests to demand what they termed as “accountability” from Governor Sang.
Responding to the developments, Sang said the armed youth were brought in by the business community to protect their investments against possible looting.
“I am told the Kapsabet business community took precautions to protect their businesses against planned destruction and looting of their businesses by the goons and criminals engaged by political operatives and opportunists who are planning to infiltrate planned peaceful demonstrations,” said Governor Sang.
He said there was leaked information to the business community that the planners of the demos would send goons to target businesses allegedly owned by him in the town.
Governor Sang said the planners had circulated false information that he owns several businesses in Kapsabet including a supermarket, hotel, bakery, electronic shops, and petrol stations.
“As just has been the case everywhere in Kenya, the business community is protecting their businesses,” said Sang.
He said the protestors were free to enjoy their rights but must never attempt to destroy people’s livelihoods.
The business community are also entitled to protect their properties and livelihoods, he said.
“We also expect the security teams to protect the protestors and ensure that they exercise their rights within the confines of the law. The business community must also protect their businesses within the confines of the law,” said Sang.
Sang noted that he operates a listening government and that any demonstrators who wish to raise issues were free to do so through legal and peaceful means.
“I am always available to listen, respond, and address all issues raised. I have done that before and will always do that in the future. I am currently in the office running my normal official work,” said Sang.
But some of the youth who have gathered at Namgoi defended the governor arguing that those planning protests were doing so because of political witchhunt.
“We know those planning the demo are politically motivated to undermine the governor whom we know has performed very well,” said Jonnes Kirwa, one of them.
