Protests erupted in Kongasis, Elementaita, in Nakuru County on December 17, 2024, as residents expressed their frustration over the alleged poor leadership of their Member of Parliament, Martha Wangari.
The demonstration, which saw angry locals taking to the streets, is part of a wider discontent that has been brewing in the area for the past month.
The residents, who are upset about the lack of development in their constituency, clashed with the police, leading to a tense standoff.
The protestors were particularly vocal about what they see as the unequal distribution of resources by both the national government and the county leadership.
They claim that revenue allocated to Nakuru County is not being fairly distributed across all constituencies, with certain areas receiving more than others.
The residents accuse their leaders of prioritizing particular regions based on tribal lines, leaving their own constituency marginalized.
One of the main points of contention is the lack of basic services.
With a population of 80,000 people, Kongasis has only one transformer that serves 32 villages, leaving many residents without reliable electricity.
This has fueled the residents' frustration, as they believe that their needs are being ignored by those in power.
The protestors also highlighted the diversion of a key development project.
The Kongasis Market, which was supposed to be built after being awarded by President William Ruto, has been relocated to another area.
The residents argue that this decision deprives them of vital infrastructure that could improve their livelihoods.
They are now calling on President Ruto to intervene and ensure that their community receives the development it deserves.
As the protests intensified, the police were called in to restore order.
Officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowds and made several arrests.
However, some police officers attempted to engage with the protestors in an effort to deescalate the situation, urging them to halt the demonstrations peacefully.
This protest comes at a time when MP Martha Wangari, who has represented Gilgil since 2017 after serving as a senator, has been under increasing pressure to deliver on her promises of development.
Despite affirming her commitment to the constituency during the Jamhuri Day celebrations earlier this month, the ongoing unrest suggests that many residents feel their grievances have not been adequately addressed.
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