Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has urged Kenya’s youth to mark the anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z uprising by filling places of worship with prayers instead of taking to the streets to protest.
Speaking in the National Assembly on June 24, 2025, Passaris expressed concern over the violence and bloodshed that have marred past protests, calling for a shift toward peace and spirituality.
“Tomorrow is the 25th of June. It’s the anniversary of the Gen Z uprising last year. I have seen so many videos and calls for people to come out and demonstrate. My county always ends up with bloodshed, people lose their property, and politicians get people to come out and exploit poverty,” she said.
Passaris emphasised the critical role faith can play in guiding Kenya through its struggles, arguing that while many young people have lost confidence in the government, that should not extend to their faith in God.
“We are serving Kenyans as representatives of the people, but they cannot lose confidence in God Almighty. If they have lost confidence in God Almighty, then there is something wrong with their movement,” she stated.
The legislator encouraged youth across the country to occupy spiritual spaces — churches, mosques, and temples — to pray for the nation and remember those who sacrificed their lives for a better Kenya.
“If it’s really the memory of those who lost their lives, and if it’s really the desire to have a well-governed country, then why not occupy the churches tomorrow? Pray to the Almighty for the souls that lost their lives, not just during the Gen Z uprising, but throughout the struggle for independence and a well-governed Kenya,” she said.
“If they do that, they show that they are a peaceful lot. They will not be infiltrated, because one right cannot negate another,” she added.
Passaris expressed concern about the economic and social impacts of protests, saying that when demonstrators fill the streets, businesses lose profits and employees lose jobs.
“Why should their right be more of a right than the right of those who actually require jobs and those who require profits? The government needs taxes. So, if you are genuine and sincere about the future of this country, as you say you are, pray for this nation,” she added.
Appealing to the police, she called for restraint, arguing that many of them operate under challenging conditions.
“Please remember we have one policeman for every 500-plus citizens. Tomorrow, have respect for the law. It’s the same law you claim is not serving you. Let no other life be lost tomorrow,” she reiterated.
