‘Msitukane, Tuambie Hapa Mmetupeleka Vibaya’: Wavinya Ndeti’s Bold Call to Gen Z on Respectful Activism
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has made a heartfelt plea to Generation Z, urging them to avoid using insults when addressing their grievances to the government. Speaking during a church function at the Mary Mount Catholic parish in Lukenya, the governor emphasized that while it is perfectly acceptable for Gen Z to voice their concerns, there is an overwhelming need for them to maintain decorum while doing so.
The governor’s remarks came in response to the recent disappearance of four youths from her county, who were abducted for criticizing the government. She disclosed that the four individuals were taken from the Mlolongo area and called on their abductors to release them without delay. Ndeti condemned the act of abducting and detaining the youth, stressing that if they were guilty of any wrongdoing, they should be presented in court instead of being held unlawfully. She added that court proceedings could deter Gen Z from resorting to abrasive criticisms of the government.
“Hapa kwangu mimi kuna watoto wanne wamechukuliwa hapa. Mimi nauliza hao watoto waachiliwe. Na kama wako na makosa, wapelekwe kortini. Ukipeleka kortini, hiyo kitu inamshtua, hatarudia,” she said.
Governor Ndeti clarified that her intention was not to silence Gen Z but to encourage them to change their approach when airing grievances. She urged them to remain bold in calling out injustices but to express themselves respectfully. “Sisi tunawaambia watoto wetu msiogope. Say what you feel is hurting you. Just say it in the right way. Usitukane mtu; usiambie mtu vibaya. Kama tumekosea, mnasema hapa mmetupeleka vibaya, sisi hatutaki,” she advised.
The governor also took the opportunity to caution a section of leaders across the country who, she claimed, have been inciting the youth through divisive and harmful statements. Ndeti reminded these leaders that the youth are a double-edged sword and should be guided positively to shape a better future for themselves and the nation. “The negative impact of the detrimental remarks by some of our leaders is reverberating negatively among our children. I want to remind my fellow leaders and our young people that social media is a double-edged sword that we can use to build our future or destroy it. Let us use social media responsibly,” she remarked.
Ndeti warned that leaders who exploit Gen Z for personal gain risk dire consequences, as such actions could ultimately tarnish their leadership and harm the youth.
While addressing the eager congregants, Governor Ndeti reassured them of her unwavering commitment to fulfilling her promises, especially in infrastructure development. In videos circulating online, the governor is seen engaging warmly with the crowd, showcasing her progress on key projects that are set to transform the region. She highlighted her collaboration with the national government to complete major initiatives, including the construction of a cutting-edge leather park in Kinanie and the expansion of Kinanie Level 3 Health Centre into a state-of-the-art Level 4 facility. “Through our partnership with the national government, we are poised to complete the tarmacking of several key roads and the exciting leather park in Kinanie,” she announced. “Our government is also committed to upgrading Kinanie Level 3 Health Centre to a Level 4 facility, which will provide essential services like maternity care and X-rays. These efforts are just the beginning of a brighter future for our community.”
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
