Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has issued a stern warning against the politicization of the recent Gen Z-led protests, accusing certain opposition figures of infiltrating and hijacking the youth movement for personal political gain. Speaking during a church fundraiser at Magunga SDA Church, Mbadi expressed concern that what began as peaceful demonstrations had been manipulated into scenes of chaos, destruction, and unfortunate loss of life.
Mbadi, a former Suba MP and seasoned politician, called out members of the political class who, he claimed, are misleading the youth to advance divisive agendas. He noted that such actions threaten national peace and risk setting the country on a dangerous path of tribalism and instability.
“The political class must stop misleading young people to advance their personal agendas through chaos and violence,” Mbadi stated. “This nation has paid a high price in the past for politically-instigated conflicts, and we must not allow history to repeat itself.”
The Gen Z-led protests, which initially gained momentum as a movement against perceived government excesses and lack of youth engagement in policymaking, have attracted significant attention across the country. While many Kenyans have praised the youth for their civic consciousness and courage, Mbadi warned that their noble cause is in danger of being derailed by political interference.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of youth-led initiatives, urging all leaders both in government and the opposition to act responsibly and avoid inflaming tensions. “If we allow politics to hijack genuine voices of the youth, we risk losing a generation to bitterness and division,” he said.
Mbadi called for national unity and dialogue, urging stakeholders to engage with the youth constructively rather than exploit their frustrations. He reiterated that building a stable and inclusive Kenya requires leadership that listens and responds, not one that uses young people as pawns in political chess games.
As the country continues to grapple with socio-economic challenges, Mbadi’s remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between activism and political maneuvering and the need for all actors to prioritize the nation’s long-term peace and cohesion.
