Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have called for the immediate arrest of opposition figures linked to the planned June 25 protests, warning that the demonstrations could disrupt national peace and stability.
Speaking over the weekend at a Women Empowerment Forum in Navakholo, Kakamega County, top government leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, accused the opposition of inciting youth and promoting anarchy.
“This is no longer about freedom of expression. This is a deliberate attempt to destabilise the nation and derail our development agenda,” said Ichung’wah.
The leaders expressed concern that the opposition is inciting Gen Z youth to take to the streets under the guise of mourning those killed during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. Wetang’ula urged leaders to move beyond political rivalry and promote unity, while other MPs including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Beatrice Elachi, Bernard Shinali, and Emmanuel Wangwe warned against tribal incitement and political manipulation.
The planned protest, dubbed “Gen Z Day,” is being championed by opposition leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. They recently attended a prayer service at All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi, where they urged Kenyans to mark June 25 as a symbolic public holiday in honour of young protest victims.
While opposition leaders maintain that the day will be marked peacefully through candle-lighting and remembrance, security agencies remain on high alert amid fears of unrest, business disruption, and potential police confrontations.
Human rights advocates and families of the victims have called for restraint and condemned any attempts to politicise the memorial. “This day belongs to the families who buried their children, not political opportunists,” said activist Njanja Maina.
Nairobi police commander George Seda confirmed receipt of protest notices and assured that adequate security would be deployed. “Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations,” he said.
As the country braces for Gen Z Day, all eyes are on how both the public and the government will navigate this sensitive national moment.
