Nairobi, Kenya – June 23, 2025 — Political tensions are escalating ahead of the planned Gen Z memorial protests on June 25, with senior Kenya Kwanza leaders now calling for the immediate arrest of opposition figures alleged to be behind the demonstrations.
In fiery statements made over the weekend during a Women Empowerment Forum in Navakholo, Kakamega County, top government allies accused the opposition of inciting unrest under the guise of a national commemoration.
“This is no longer about freedom of expression. This is a deliberate attempt to destabilise the nation and derail our development agenda,” said National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Gov’t Allies: Opposition Is Fueling Chaos
The pro-government leaders, including Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, President’s advisor Farouk Kibet, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, alleged that opposition leaders were “promoting anarchy and inciting youth”, especially Kenya’s increasingly vocal Gen Z demographic.
“We must not allow the country to be dragged into tribal divisions and political turmoil disguised as memorials,” added Wetang’ula.
Other leaders present—MPs Sylvanus Osoro, Beatrice Elachi, Bernard Shinali, and Emmanuel Wangwe—warned that the planned candlelit protests on Wednesday could quickly spiral into violent confrontations and business disruptions.
What Is Gen Z Day?
The planned protest, widely shared under the hashtag #GenZDay, is being led by opposition heavyweights including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka. The two attended a solemn interdenominational service at All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi on June 22, in memory of youth killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
They have called on Kenyans to:
- Treat June 25 as a symbolic public holiday
- Hold peaceful candlelight vigils
- Stay home in remembrance of lives lost
“This is a day of peace and memory, not protest,” said Kalonzo Musyoka during the church service.
Still, government figures insist the date is being weaponised politically, especially as social media campaigns gain traction among Kenya’s youth.
Families Caution Against Political Exploitation
Meanwhile, families of the victims have called for restraint, urging both sides not to politicise the grief of those who lost loved ones during the Finance Bill protests of 2024.
“We don’t want our children’s deaths to be turned into political theatre,” said one grieving parent, speaking anonymously to Sauce.co.ke.
The 2024 protests—driven largely by Gen Z frustrations with taxation, unemployment, and corruption—led to nationwide unrest and dozens of reported deaths, triggering a wave of public mourning and civic activism.
⚠️ What to Expect on June 25
Security has been tightened in Nairobi and other urban centres, with law enforcement agencies preparing for potential demonstrations. There are concerns over:
- Clashes between protesters and police
- Targeted arrests of opposition figures
- Transport and business disruptions
The Interior Ministry has yet to issue an official directive, but observers anticipate either heavy police presence or restrictions on public gatherings.
