Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a powerful message of encouragement to Kenya’s youth, urging them to remain resilient as they prepare to mark the first anniversary of the deadly June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill.
In a video released on Tuesday, Babu Owino praised the youth for their courage and determination, calling on them to soldier on in honour of their fallen comrades who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
“What I will tell my Gen-Z brothers and sisters is to fight on, soldier on. It is not over until it is over,” said Babu. “On a scale of between zero to 10, I’m with you at 11, supporting you at 101 per cent.”
The planned protests on Wednesday are expected to serve as a nationwide commemoration of those who died in last year’s protests, which erupted over what many saw as oppressive taxation measures contained in the 2024 Finance Bill. Lobby groups estimated the death toll at over 61, while official government figures place it at 42.
Babu Owino urged the youth to be “present and visible” in honour of those who perished. “Tomorrow, commemorate your fallen soldiers. In honour of your fallen soldiers, be present, be visible,” he emphasized.
Also lending his voice to the cause is political activist and ODM Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure, who is currently in the United States under the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Despite his absence, McOure reaffirmed his solidarity with Kenyan youth, stating that their efforts would eventually lead to national liberation.
Meanwhile, the government has issued stern warnings ahead of the protest. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed police to act firmly against individuals allegedly hired to incite violence during the demonstrations.
“The government will not sit back and watch as armed protesters unleash chaos in Nairobi’s CBD,” Murkomen stated.
As the youth prepare to take to the streets, a tense atmosphere looms over Nairobi and other urban centres. The June 25 commemoration has reignited discussions about justice, accountability, and the role of youth in shaping Kenya’s political future.
