Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has condemned the June 25 youth-led protests, describing them as acts of lawlessness and economic sabotage that should not go unpunished.
Cherargei’s remarks come amid a growing generational standoff between youthful protestors and state leadership over police brutality and lack of transparency and accountability.
In a statement on his X official account on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the outspoken senator dismissed the nationwide impact of the demonstrations, downplaying the scale of unrest and accusing organisers of attempting to destabilise the country.
“Yesterday the entire country was peaceful at 99.99 per cent. Only 0.01 per cent was under senseless demonstrations that were one region and one street—Kenyatta Street in Nairobi City County only—that was executed by economic saboteurs and coup plotters,” he stated.
The Gen Z-led protests, which erupted in several parts of the country, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, saw thousands of young Kenyans demanding government accountability, economic reforms, and honouring the victims of the 2024 demos. However, Cherargei dismissed the demonstrations as illegitimate and politically motivated.
“The unfortunate events of yesterday in the guise of peaceful demonstrations was an act of lawlessness, impunity and abuse of law. The planners, financiers and executors must be investigated and prosecuted!” the statement read.
Cherargei went on to condemn incidents of violence and destruction that occurred during the protests, which left several injured, businesses looted, and at least six fatalities reported. Without offering evidence, he attributed the unrest to orchestrated attempts to undermine the government.
“The burning, killings, maiming and looting businesses and disruption of peace in a few areas must not go unpunished!” he declared.
Despite the unrest, the senator affirmed that President William Ruto remains firmly in control and focused on delivering his development agenda.
“President Ruto remains unbowed, unshaken and more buoyant and committed to delivering transformation in the country,” Cherargei said.
Police conduct
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has released a preliminary monitoring report detailing serious concerns over police conduct during the Gen-Z anniversary protests held on June 25.
By Section 6(c) of the IPOA Act, the Authority launched nationwide monitoring operations on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, morning, deploying its officers to observe how the National Police Service managed public order during the demonstrations commemorating the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
IPOA also placed officers at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Situation Room to enhance bilateral collaboration.
According to the Authority, demonstrations were reported in 24 counties.
The protests, however, turned tragic, with IPOA documenting eight civilian deaths and at least 207 injuries, some involving gunshot wounds.
The report also confirms that several police officers sustained injuries.
