Wetang’ula, MPs warn Gen Z against violent protests ahead of June 25 anniversary
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
What you need to know:
- Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, has warned Kenyan youths against violent demonstrations planned for 25 June, the anniversary of last year's protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.
- He stated that law enforcement would deal with any disruption to public order.
- He accused the opposition of exploiting young 'Gen Z' activists to create political animosity and urged them to focus on building their lives rather than engaging in 'borrowed hatred'.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned the youth against violent demonstrations on June 25 as tensions rise ahead of the anniversary of last year’s mass protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.
Wetang'ula's warning
Mr Wetang’ula has said that anyone who will engage in any activity of unrest and disruption of the existing peace will be dealt with by the law enforcement agencies.
“Anyone who dares to tamper with our peace — let it be known — we shall defend it with every ounce of energy we have. Because in our country, peace has no alternative,” Speaker Wetang’ula said.
He was speaking during a women’s empowerment event in Kijauri, Borabu Constituency in Nyamira County.
The event, which brought together women choirs from across the region, was organised by Nyamira County MP Jerusha Momanyi.
He has also accused the opposition of exploiting the young people, particularly the Gen Z activists, to stoke political animosity under the guise of pushing for reform.
“Don't be drawn into political issues that are not yours,” Mr Wetang’ula advised. “Don’t hate people you don’t even know. They may have done you no wrong. We must rise above borrowed hatred and focus on building our lives.”
The event was attended by a section of other leaders including Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), Irene Mayaka (Nominated), Peter Orero (Kibra), Dorice Donya (Kisii County), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Linet Toto (Bomet County), and Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache), among others.
“You must respect the Kenyan Constitution and the Kenyan people, you do not want any war, right? What they have planned next week in Nairobi, we want to tell them: We are tired,” Mr Osoro said.
Mr Orero, on his part, said: “As Nairobi MPs, we do not want wars and fights. We do not want incitement; we want peace. We do not want people bringing chaos to the city. Whoever wants to come to Nairobi, should come in peace.”
Police brutality
Mr Ng’eno demanded justice for all Kenyans affected by police brutality, highlighting the case of Ang’ata Barikoi in his constituency where five people were shot dead by police officers last month over a land battle.
“Selective justice and community profiling is wrong, police have only concentrated in Nairobi, yet police have killed people in Ang’ata and no arrests have been made,” Mr Ng’eno said.
The leaders also weighed in on recent controversial remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had alluded to political instability ahead of the next general election — a statement many interpreted as a threat.
“We must never forget the events of 2007 when politics turned dangerous,” said Mr Wetang’ula, recalling the post-election violence that claimed hundreds of lives. “Even here in Borabu, there was unrest. Lives were lost. We negotiated peace at the Serena Hotel. We must never go back.”
The utterances come at a time the Gen Z are planning to hold a memorial for those who lost their lives and those who were injured during the June 25, 2024 protests.
The protests were against the controversial 2024 Finance Bill that was finalluy withdrawn following uproar. Mobilized largely through social media under hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament, the protests were driven by anger over proposed tax increases that many felt would worsen the high cost of living and disproportionately hurt young and unemployed Kenyans.