Nairobi, June 23 ; Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has dismissed calls for protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, declaring it a normal working day.
In 2024, protests by young Kenyans sent shock waves through the country’s political scene, forcing the government to drop proposed taxes and fire several ministers. The youth movement highlighted the challenges Kenya faces as the government tries to increase revenues from citizens who are grappling with the high cost of living and are angry about corruption and what they see as attempts to stifle dissent.
A year since the unrest, President William Ruto’s government and a large section of Kenyan youth are still at odds over the direction the country is taking.
The discontent erupted in June as parliament considered a bill that would increase taxes on certain food items and other sectors in the economy to help repay foreign loans and fund development programs.
Lawmakers passed the bill, leading protesters storming the parliament buildings and burning a section of it. Ruto, seeing the public anger, declined to sign the bill into law.
The movement has evolved into a wider campaign for more accountable governance in the country and Police reforms.
Meanwhile, Young Kenyans plan to stage peaceful protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to commemorate their colleagues who lost their lives last year.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, June 23, Mwaura addressed the planned demonstrations as part of the “Gen Z Anniversary” warning young people not to be misled by political interests.
"There will be no protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. It is a normal working day. Let no one deceive you into engaging in activities that could put your future at risk,” he said.
“Go to work, open your businesses, attend your classes. Let us not be dragged backwards by chaos disguised as activism.”
Mwaura accused unnamed political actors of using social media to incite the youth under the guise of marking an anniversary, warning that such actions could destabilise the country and harm the economy.
“We know politicians are hiding behind hashtags and influencers to push young people into the streets. But where are they when the chaos starts? Where are they when the youth are being arrested or injured?” he posed.
He emphasised that while the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, any attempts to disrupt public order or incite violence will not be tolerated.
“You have a right to protest, yes, but that right must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law. There will be no room for anarchy, looting or blocking roads,” Mwaura stated.
He urged young people to channel their energy into productive engagement, including dialogue with government institutions, instead of falling into what he described as well-orchestrated political traps.
“We value the voice of the youth. But let us not be used. The government is open to dialogue. Let’s talk, let’s engage constructively,” he said.
A year-on after Gen Z protests.
Gen-Z protests in Kenya led to various outcomes and repercussions, including the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill, changes in the cabinet secretaries, dissolution of 47 cooperatives, suspension of re-appointments in the civil service, and the abolishment of unconstitutional offices.
But what are the implications of these events for Kenya and the African continent as a whole?
Firstly, the youth have challenged the established political order and tested the traditional political settlement theories that suggest power is primarily held by political elites. These events in Kenya could potentially lead to a shift in political power and the onset of a “co-shared political power” era of governance and public scrutiny on the affairs of the state.
Secondly, Gen-Z has redefined the organisation and conduct of protests. By using technology, especially social media to coordinate and validate their concerns, garner support from allies – including millennials and civil society – as well as communicate and orchestrate peaceful nationwide protests, they have reshaped the negative perception often associated with protests involving violence and destruction..
The polical elite have long taken advantage of young people to further their own agendas. In the past, politicians used the youth majorly to win elections and cause disruptions for their own selfish gains. However, the recent Gen-Z protests signal a shift. Young people are no longer apathetic to political processes – they are politically aware and are willing to self-organise and rally support for issues that directly impact their future.
As seen in these protests, Gen-Z consistently raises valid concerns, supported by evidence, and proposes solutions. This pressure from the younger generation is pushing the government to increase transparency, accountability and improve service delivery.
The traditional political base in Kenya has been largely organised along tribal lines, with tribal alliances playing a key role in forming the ruling leader’s block. However, recent events, including the Gen-Z protests, suggest a shift towards issue-based politics that transcends ethnicity and emphasises the push for change.
The Gen-Z protesters have presented themselves as tribeless, leaderless and partyless, making it challenging for the ruling class to engage with and quell the protests. In response to relentless pursuits from peaceful Gen-Z protestors, the Kenyan police force resorted to using excessive force, brutal crackdowns, abductions and detentions, leading to fatalities.
In the face of threats and deaths, the young people have been resilient and focused on their demands for greater accountability by the government. If this trend continues, it may lead to significant changes in power dynamics, challenging the dominance of tribal kingpins and other leadership figures. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that power ultimately belongs to the people, highlighting the need for political and ruling elites to strike a balance between serving the electorate’s aspirations and pursuing their own interests.
As we approach the June 25, 2024 anniversary when youths stormed Parliament and forced the government to disband Finance Bill 2024, Kenyan youth have rightfully earned their place in charting their destiny. The profound realisation that there is “nothing for us without us” will drive the youth to exercise agency in defining what matters to them.
Going forward, we anticipate that the youths will meaningfully participate in crucial processes and expect them to propose uncomfortable radical decisions that safeguard their interests. Subsequently, the success of any leadership block will depend on their ability to address concerns of dissenting youthful voices and co-produce solutions with their future in mind.
