Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has stirred controversy after claiming that the June 25 demonstrations were not a Gen-Z-led uprising but a calculated political plot to overthrow the government.
Speaking during a heated parliamentary session on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Junet moved a motion to condemn what he described as “acts of lawlessness, destruction, and vandalism,” arguing that the protests were politically choreographed under the guise of youth activism.
“Kenyans are being lied to,” he said. “This was not a Gen Z demonstration. Colleagues of ours were used to mobilise people to come and demonstrate in Nairobi.”
Junet alleged that the demonstrations, which left a trail of destruction in several towns and cities, were backed by specific political figures. He pointed to organised mobilisation in regions like Kiambu, Murang’a, and Thika and questioned the selective nature of the violence.
“There was no destruction of property in Homa Bay, Kisumu, or Kisii,” he said. “But there was destruction in Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kikuyu, and Nyamakima. That tells you who the chief goon is,” he added.
While acknowledging that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, Junet said the events of June 25 violated that right through violence and destruction. His motion aligns with growing calls from government allies to regulate protests more stringently and investigate those behind the unrest.
The June 25 protests marked the anniversary of the deadly 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill. At least 16 people were reported dead this week, most from police action, according to Amnesty Kenya. Gen Z protestors have been demanding President William Ruto’s resignation over economic mismanagement, as highlighted by international media outlets like the BBC.
However, Junet’s remarks challenge the mainstream narrative, shifting focus to alleged political manipulation behind the scenes. His bold accusations have reignited public debate about the role of political elites in protest movements and whether youth-led activism is being co-opted for partisan agendas.
As Parliament continues to debate the motion, the country remains on edge, grappling with questions about governance, justice, and the true drivers of Kenya’s unrest.
