Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has urged young Kenyans, especially Gen Z activists, to remain alert about their online safety even as the country approaches the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a message shared on her social media platforms while in Nyali on Monday, June 23, 2025, Asige raised concerns over the rising threat of tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), describing it as an invisible but deeply harmful form of abuse.
TFGBV includes a wide range of online abuses, such as cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, digital impersonation, and doxxing, that disproportionately target women and girls.
Asige noted that such violence, although virtual, can inflict lasting trauma and sometimes even trigger real-world attacks.
“Teaching student bodies about tech-facilitated gender-based violence is vital; it’s a form of harm that hides behind screens but leaves real scars,” she said.
Online harms escalating
Asige warned that digital harassment can quickly escalate into physical danger, citing the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ as a grim reminder of online threats spilling into real life.
“Being targeted online might seem like ‘just posting content,’ but it can lead to abuse, being tracked online, impersonation, and in the worst cases, as you saw with Albert, even death,” she added.
Her warning comes ahead of the June 25 demonstrations planned by Gen Z protesters and opposition leaders. The day will feature peaceful marches and candlelight vigils in memory of those who died or were injured during the Occupy Parliament protests last year.
State reactions mixed
Police have promised to protect demonstrators. Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda said that security arrangements are in place.
“As for the 25th, we have what we call enhanced plans for that,” Seda said in a press briefing on June 18. “We also have a copy of their letter of intent.”
However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura struck a different tone, saying no public demonstrations would be allowed.
“There will be no demonstrations on June 25. That day will be a normal working day,” Mwaura stated. “Anyone who wishes to mark the day is free to do so,at home.”
Asige’s remarks added to the ongoing public discourse surrounding digital safety and civil liberties. Her call comes as more young people embrace activism online and, on the ground, demanding justice, transparency, and accountability from the state.
