The National Youth Service (NYS) has refuted claims that its vehicles were used to ferry individuals involved in criminal activities during the July Saba Saba protests in Naivasha.
In an official statement, NYS has termed the claims made on social media as fake, baseless, and misplaced, clarifying that none of its vehicles were used.
The allegations, which have been circulating on social media and some media outlets, suggested that NYS buses were spotted ferrying individuals who later engaged in acts of violence and looting during the protests.
"These allegations are not only baseless and malicious, but they also seek to unjustly tarnish the reputation of the National Youth Service, an institution committed to discipline, patriotism, and national development," NYS wrote.
Further, they clarified that all its duties are documented and are official, and no documentation was made of vehicles deployed for any activity in Naivasha.
“NYS personnel operate under strict command and accountability procedures. Movement of all NYS assets, including vehicles, is documented and subject to verification at any given time,” the statement continues.
The NYS also took the opportunity to reiterate its apolitical stance, stating that it has never participated in partisan or unlawful activities.
“Any attempt to associate NYS with criminal or politically instigated actions is a grave misrepresentation of our core values,” the statement declared.
In its statement, the NYS called on the public, media, and political leaders to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing information.
“We urge members of the public, media, and political leaders to refrain from propagating unverified information,” the agency said.
The Saba Saba Day has always been a historical day in Kenya, being a platform for civil rights activism in Kenya. However, this year's celebrations were marred by violence.
Protests, looting, and loss of life were the characteristics of the day. The protests were marred by reports of violence in several towns, including Naivasha, leading to heightened tensions and a flurry of accusations.
