Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the upcoming Gen Z-led protests scheduled for June 25, meant to commemorate those who lost their lives during the Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.
Speaking to local Meru media stations on the night of Friday, June 20, 2025, Gachagua expressed deep worry over the safety of the protesting youth.
He noted that there is a real risk of more lives being lost, especially given how previous protests have unfolded.
According to him, there is a high likelihood that criminal elements may once again infiltrate the demonstrations and cause harm, just as was witnessed in past protests.
“Niko na wasiwasi tumepoteza watoto wengi sana, na watauwawa na watapigwa na hao wahuni,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua admitted that he does not have the authority to either encourage or discourage the youth from protesting.
However, he urged them to remain extremely cautious if they choose to go out, warning that their right to protest might once again be hijacked by organised goons who have previously turned peaceful marches into scenes of chaos and injury.
“Hii tarehe 25 mimi siwezi ambia hawa watoto waende wasiende; nitasema tu wakue careful, nimeona polisi wakisema watawalinda,” he added.
He also voiced his frustration over the government’s failure to apprehend the individuals responsible for violence during the past demonstrations.
Gachagua condemned the fact that despite some of the goons being clearly captured on camera, some even seen passing by City Hall while praising the Nairobi governor for “containing the city,” none have been arrested.
This, he said, is despite firm promises made by Deputy President and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja that those behind the violence would face arrest.
“Hao wahuni hakuna mtu ameshikwa, picha zao ziko, walikuwa hapo City Hall na iko video wakisema, ‘Governor, wewe ni igwe. Ile kazi umetupatia ya kuklinda jiji tumefanya, hadi wa leo IG na Mr Yes Sir, walisema wale goons ambao walipiga watu Nairobi watashikwa hadi wa leo hawajashikwa,’” Gachagua added.
June 25, 2025, protests
The protests planned for June 25, 2025, in Kenya are centred on commemorating the 2024 Gen Z uprising, a significant youth-led movement that saw protesters storm Parliament during debates over the controversial Finance Bill.
These demonstrations aim to honour the memory of those who lost their lives or were injured during the 2024 protests, which faced heavy police resistance and resulted in numerous casualties.
The 2025 protests also serve as a platform to demand justice for the victims, hold the government accountable for its actions, and oppose ongoing policies perceived as oppressive or unjust.
Organisers are calling for peaceful yet impactful demonstrations, including symbolic actions such as laying flowers outside Parliament and issuing statements to highlight the sacrifices made by protesters.
