Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Wednesday pointed accusing fingers to political opponents whom she accused of sponsoring Tuesday's protests in Machakos County which culminated in the destruction of businesses and property.

The county boss claimed unnamed political elements were out to sabotage and frustrate her administration by directly attacking residents to paint a certain degree of laxity by the County Government. 

Governor Ndeti claimed that criminals masquerading as peaceful demonstrators attacked, assaulted, and injured dozens of bodaboda operators before seizing four motorbikes and setting them ablaze in Mlolongo.

She further stated that the assailants also descended on different business establishments when valuable property was stolen.

In a statement on Wednesday, the county boss expressed remorse for all those who fell prey to the alleged criminal gangs said to be posing as genuine protestors.

"My attention has been drawn to the ugly incidents and acts of lawlessness that were witnessed in Mlolongo town, where an organized gang of criminals reined terror on peace-abiding bodaboda operators who were going about their normal business peacefully," said the governor. 

"It is unfortunate that such an incident was planned by individuals who profess to be leaders and expect to be respected for who they are."

Governor Ndeti called on the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the relevant security agencies to initiate investigations into the recent developments and bring the culprits to book.

This comes a week after similar incidences were witnessed in various parts of Kenya including Machakos.

In a rallying call against looting and destruction of property, Wavinya urged the youths to refrain from such acts.   

She then proceeded to sound a strong warning to criminals infiltrating youth-led protests.

This comes even as Kenyan youth continue to stage anti-government protests have rocked most parts of the country. 

The protestors, the majority being Gen Z, have kept on piling pressure on the government to become more accountable and improve its governance, having morphed from demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.By Kenn Osoro,m Kenyans.co.ke