Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged President William Ruto to rescind his “shoot in the leg” directives to security forces.
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He described the directive as dangerous and warned that such an order against protesters could escalate violence and result in further loss of lives.
Natembeya said the President is supposed to protect lives and not issue harm orders against citizens.
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He said Ruto must be ready to listen to issues being raised by Kenyans instead of using force to muzzle critics.
Natembeya spoke at Muungano Primary School in Kiminini subounty, where he presided over issuance of bursary cheques worth Sh1.4 million to 210 needy students.
The governor said the continued killing of Gen Z protesters has damaged Kenya’s global reputation.
He criticised Muungano Primary School's poor performance in last year’s national exams, attributing it to absenteeism caused by lack of school fees and lack of sanitary pads.
Natembeya also dismissed the recent economic empowerment campaigns spearheaded by the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying they are designed to sway public opinion and not deliver meaningful change.
The governor also paid school fees of Sh1 million for 210 students at Muungano Secondary School, vowing to combat chronic absenteeism and poor performance through his administration’s Ukombozi bursary and economic empowerment programmes.
He said financial constraints have forced many students out of class, contributing to last year’s dismal performance when 44 candidates scored grade E in national examinations.
“Through the Ukombozi bursary initiative, no student will be left behind as we work to uplift the standard of education in this county,” Natembeya said.
“We cannot allow poverty to deny our children the chance to learn and secure a better future.”
The governor, who also distributed sanitary pads, mathematical sets and calculators to final-year students, urged learners to improve their grades. “We are providing the tools and support you need. Now, you must work hard,” he said.
Education executive Janerose Mutama said poverty and absenteeism are the main reasons behind the school’s poor academic record, adding that last year, only one student qualified for university admission.
“Half of the candidates scored an ‘E’. Many of these students were traced to farms, working to raise school fees,” Mutama said.
“Some girls have been affected by early pregnancies, while boys are neglected and lack basic needs like clothing, which keeps them out of school.”
She warned against exploitation of young girls in exchange for sanitary pads.
“We are also launching mentorship programmes for school-going girls to address early pregnancies head-on,” Mutuma said.
Muungano Secondary School principal Wekesa said poverty, early pregnancies and social issues were affecting learning.
“Currently, a number of students are pregnant, while others already have children. We have started guiding and counseling sessions to help them cope,” she said.
Natembeya said the county would continue rolling out long-term solutions, including the Nawiri Fund to help families achieve financial independence.
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