Kajiado Maa Leaders Launch ‘Operation Linda Mali’ Ahead of Planned June 25 Protests
“We cannot allow our property to be destroyed,” leaders warn as investors and residents pledge to protect businesses
A section of Maa leaders in Kajiado County has unveiled a new initiative dubbed “Operation Linda Mali”, vowing to protect businesses, homes, and investments ahead of anticipated nationwide demonstrations scheduled for June 25.
The leaders, speaking under the banner of the Maa Unity Agenda, expressed concern over what they described as a growing trend of looting, vandalism, and destruction of property during public protests, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres within Kajiado County.
Addressing journalists in Kitengela on Saturday, Maa Unity Agenda National Chairman Jonathan Ole Pasha said residents and investors had become increasingly worried about the impact that violent elements have had during previous demonstrations.
“We are here to amplify the voice of the Maa community domiciled in Kajiado regarding demonstrations that have led to concerns over property destruction, especially in Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Kiserian, and Kitengela,” Pasha said.
He stressed that while the Constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to assemble, picket, and demonstrate peacefully, the community would not tolerate criminal activities carried out under the guise of protests.
“We know it is a constitutional right to demonstrate and picket peacefully. However, we do not support actions that involve destruction of property, looting of businesses, or harm to innocent people. Those who intend to come to Kajiado to destroy businesses should know that residents are alert,” he added.
The leaders further alleged that some political actors have previously facilitated the transportation of individuals from outside the county to participate in unlawful activities during demonstrations.
“We strongly condemn individuals who are presented as peaceful demonstrators yet are not residents of Kajiado and are instead brought in from other urban centres to engage in criminal acts,” Pasha stated.
The remarks come as opposition leaders continue to mobilise supporters for peaceful marches planned across several parts of the country on June 25, with organisers maintaining that the demonstrations will be conducted within the law.
However, Kajiado leaders warned that residents and investors had suffered significant losses during past unrest and would take measures to safeguard their livelihoods.
Maa Unity Agenda Kaputei Chapter Chairman Godfrey Ole Ntapayia said repeated incidents of vandalism and looting had pushed local business owners to the brink.
“We will come out to protect our property. We cannot allow our businesses and investments to be destroyed. We have worked hard for what we own, and we will not sit back and watch it go up in flames,” Ntapayia said.
He announced that residents would organise community vigilance efforts under the “Operation Linda Mali” initiative to monitor key business areas and commercial centres.
“We will keep vigil. None of our property will be destroyed. If the government is ready to help us maintain security, that is welcome. If not, we are still prepared to protect our investments and businesses. Operation Linda Mali is about safeguarding what belongs to residents and investors,” he said.
The leaders called upon security agencies to ensure law and order is maintained during the demonstrations and urged all participants to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully without engaging in acts of violence or destruction.
Their statement reflects growing concerns among business communities in several parts of the country over the potential economic impact of demonstrations, particularly following previous protests that left a trail of damaged property and disrupted commercial activities.
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