Some Gen Zs Pull Out Of June 25 Protests
The group explained that although the protests were originally planned as peaceful, they believe the movement has been hijacked by individuals with intentions to stir unrest.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Some youth from Kisumu County and the broader Nyanza region have withdrawn from the highly anticipated June 25 protests, which were meant to honour those who died during last year’s demonstrations.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, June 24, the group explained that although the protests were originally planned as peaceful, they believe the movement has been hijacked by individuals with intentions to stir unrest. As a result, they are distancing themselves from the initiative.
"It has come to our attention that the noble cause that started with a clear agenda of agitating for the youth has been hijacked by the bloodthirsty politicians and the commercialised activists that want to bring anarchy to our country," one of the youths said.
Gen Z and millennials in Kisumu County take to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024 on June 20, 2024. /UZALENDO NEWS
"As Kisumu County youths, as Nyanza Youths, we are saying that we are refraining from tomorrow's protests; we are not part of it and are requesting all other youths from Kisumu to do the same because whatever they have planned is not a protest but a civil coup."
The youth from Kisumu are calling on their peers to remain at home, focus on their daily hustles, and avoid taking to the streets.
They believe some politicians and activists are using the youth’s anger and frustrations to push personal agendas under the guise of protest.
A youth representative from Kondele Ward echoed these views, urging Gen Zs—not just in Kisumu, but across the country—to prioritise peace and skip the demonstrations. According to him, the region has endured enough pain from past protests and deserves a break from the violence they fear may erupt on Wednesday.
This appeal comes in the wake of a Standard exposé revealing an alleged internal plot to sabotage the June 25 protests, potentially turning them violent and even fatal.
The report named several social media influencers allegedly involved in efforts to mobilise goons and spread propaganda through digital platforms.
On the flip side, leaders like Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino are encouraging Gen Zs to stay the course and proceed with the protests. He has urged them to stand firm and keep fighting for their rights.
The June 25 demonstrations are being organised to honour those who died during last year’s ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests. Youths plan to lay flowers in remembrance of the fallen, then march toward the State House to demand justice and an end to police brutality.
Activists and members of civil society have gone as far as declaring the day a public holiday to commemorate the first anniversary of the protests, but the government has firmly rejected the idea, insisting no such holiday will be recognised.
Kenyans protesting in Nairobi CBD on June 25, 2024. /DW
