Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Generation Z and other young Kenyans against joining demonstrations planned for June 25, citing intelligence that there is a deliberate strategy to harm youth during the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests .
Allegations of Violence
Gachagua, speaking on Kameme FM, alleged that President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have allegedly recruited thugs to disrupt public events. He warned that the same individuals could be used to incite violence and injure—or even kill—young protesters commemorating last year’s unrest.
“I fear that if the youth take to the streets, the government and the governor of Nairobi will use goons from Umoja, Kayole and other areas to kill them,” he stated.
He implored parents and young people to abandon plans for public marches and instead hold commemorations at home. “Let us not send our children to the slaughterhouse,” he warned.
Refuting State Narratives
Gachagua also pushed back against state claims that some recent protests turned violent based on vandalism. Referencing June 12 protests in Nairobi over the death of Albert Ojwang’ in custody, he argued that purportedly “burnt” cars were staged to undermine peaceful demonstrators.
“No car was reported as burnt… NTSA checks showed they weren’t registered to anyone. It was a ploy to provoke police violence against the youth,” he said.
The warning comes as many prepare to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly protests sparked by the Finance Bill in June 2024—which left dozens dead nationwide. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to light candles at Parliament on June 25 in remembrance.
“On the 25th of June, Kenyans should light candles at the gates of Parliament to honour the young lives lost,” he said during a church service in Kilifi.
Rising Tensions Ahead of June 25
As June 25 approaches, concerns over possible violence are intensifying. While civil society and opposition leaders press for peaceful commemoration, Gachagua’s accusations highlight deep mistrust with the government. Whether the march unfolds in calm solidarity or erupts into confrontation remains a pressing question for Kenya’s Generation Z.
