Nominated senator Karen Nyamu has hit out at Kenyan youth, particularly Gen Z protesters, for what she described as unnecessary violence during the memorial protests held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
The protests marked one year since dozens of young Kenyans lost their lives in last year’s anti-tax demonstrations.
In a strongly worded Instagram post shared on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Nyamu said she had expected the day to be a solemn and respectful remembrance of those who were killed in 2024. However, the demonstrations turned into chaos, intimidation, and destruction.
She questioned the motive behind this year’s protests, saying last year’s agenda was clear and powerful, but this time it appeared disorganised and lacking in direction. She also suggested that the demonstrators may have been following a hidden script.
“I didn’t like yesterday’s protests. I thought it was a memorial to remember those who were killed last year. But it turned into chaos, threats, and so much tension. Why? Did you like it? Just one question what exactly were the youth trying to achieve yesterday? Last year, the cause was very loud and clear. This time, you could tell it was first-time protesters with no clear objective. Was that your strategy, or were you following someone else’s script?” Nyamu questioned.
Nyamu went further to blame protesters for damaging businesses, specifically mentioning that many of them were run by hardworking members of the Kikuyu community. She challenged community leaders who often speak out on behalf of Kikuyus to condemn the destruction caused.
In a personal reference, Nyamu warned the youth to be cautious of political leaders who have nothing to lose. She compared such leaders to an ex-partner who once told her, “If I can’t have you, no one else will”.
She implied that some current politicians might be fuelling unrest because they have lost their moral compass and personal stake in the country’s stability.
“Many businesses were affected, mostly run by my hardworking Kikuyu people. Where is that self-appointed spokesperson for the Kikuyu to condemn this?? Be careful with leaders who have nothing left to lose, leaders who have lost everything, including their conscience. I once had an ex who told me, ‘If I can’t have you, no one else will.’ If I can’t be a leader in Kenya, then no one else should be. May the devil be defeated completely!!” she declared.
Protests
Thousands of young people took to the streets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisii and other towns with a very different goal. The protesters gathered to honour those killed or still missing from last year’s protests and to call for justice, transparency, and political reforms.
In Nairobi, the crowd marched along key roads such as Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Harambee Avenue, and City Hall Way. Some held candlelight vigils near Parliament and even outside the State House. They chanted slogans like “Bado Mapambano,” “Ruto Must Go,” and “Wantam”, expressions of their frustration with the current government.
Although the organisers and some opposition leaders had urged for peaceful demonstrations starting from 10:00 am, tension quickly built up. At around 11:14 am, police began dispersing crowds with tear gas along Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street. Businesses shut down, public transport was paralysed, and much of Nairobi’s CBD turned into a battlefield.
According to eyewitness accounts and rights groups, the police used excessive force, not only tear gas but also rubber bullets and, in some cases, live ammunition. Videos that surfaced online showed officers beating protesters, launching tear gas into makeshift medical tents, and even targeting journalists covering the demonstrations.
So far, eight people have been confirmed dead, with many more injured. The images and videos shared widely on social media have sparked nationwide outrage. Human rights organisations and civil society groups are now demanding immediate investigations and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
