The National Youth Service (NYS) has dismissed claims that its vehicles were used to transport individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities during the recent Saba Saba protests in Naivasha.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 9, the NYS termed the allegations circulating on social media as false, baseless, and malicious.
This comes after a series of claims circulating on social media, tying NYS buses to the alleged ferrying of criminals to Naivasha.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The institution firmly denied deploying any of its vehicles to Naivasha for purposes unrelated to official duties, and noted that all NYS personnel and assets operate under strict command, with their movements documented and verifiable at any time.
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It also emphasized that NYS remains an apolitical institution and has never been involved in partisan or unlawful activity.
“Any attempt to associate NYS with criminal or politically instigated actions is a grave misrepresentation of our core values,” the statement continued, urging members of the public, media, and political leaders to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Saba Saba Day commemorations swept across several towns in the country on Monday, causing massive destruction of property and businesses in towns such as Meru, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, and Nairobi counties.
Opposition leaders, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, condemned the use of force and police brutality on protestors, which left 11 dead and hundreds injured.
According to the DCP party leader, the mayhem witnessed in various towns was on the hands of what he claimed to be ‘state-sponsored goons.’
