Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has dismissed calls for protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, declaring it a normal working day and warning young people not to be misled by political interests.
Speaking during an interview on a local Radio Station on Monday, June 23, 2025, Mwaura addressed the planned demonstrations being pushed online as part of the “Gen Z Anniversary” a movement marking one year since youth-led protests shook the country during the controversial 2024 Finance Bill uprising.
“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.
The Gen Z Anniversary
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders and youth groups have vowed to return to the streets in honour of those who lost their lives during the 2024 demonstrations, which were sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The Bill was later withdrawn by President William Ruto following nationwide pressure.
While the opposition has declared the day a symbolic holiday, the government has remained silent.
Police, through Nairobi Regional Commander George Seda, have only confirmed that security plans are in place to ensure the safety of demonstrators.
“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter,” said Seda.
The 2024 protests saw thousands of Kenyans mobilize across major towns, with several fatalities reported and hundreds injured after clashes with police.
The protests were also largely fueled by growing concerns over governance and accountability, piling pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to act against corrupt, out-of-touch, and flamboyant leaders.
