Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah has joined the Gen Zs on the streets as they commemorate those who lost their lives during the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
In a show of solidarity, Omtatah took part in the June 25, 2025, demonstrations, wearing a white T-shirt with the words “Respect Kenya” printed on it.
He was warmly welcomed by Gen Z protestors already gathered on the streets, who expressed their excitement upon seeing him and held his hand in unity.
He now joins a growing list of leaders who have shown support by participating in the protests.
Other leaders, such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, also arrived to join the protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. His arrival was met with thunderous jubilation from hundreds of youth who had gathered in anticipation.
The youthful crowd erupted in cheers, chanting “Babu! Babu!” while raising their hands in the air with excitement. Some even lifted him shoulder-high, turning the street into a vibrant scene of celebration, charged with raw energy and defiant optimism.
However, the mood soon began to shift as the atmosphere grew tense. More protestors poured in, and security presence tightened across the surrounding streets.
Maraga’s surprise appearance
Former Chief Justice David Maraga also made an unexpected appearance at the protests, where he was welcomed with heroic applause by the masses.
In a video shared by SPM Buzz on Instagram, Maraga was seen wading through a sea of demonstrators, who stepped aside respectfully, calling him Mheshimiwa as he made his way through the crowd.
Clad in his signature calm demeanour, the former CJ climbed onto a raised pillar, where he stood tall and greeted the eager protesters. They responded with cheers and raised fists, celebrating his presence as a powerful symbol of justice standing with the people.
However, the celebration quickly turned chaotic when police lobbed tear gas canisters into the jubilant crowd surrounding Maraga. The festive moment dissolved into panic as plumes of white smoke filled the air, sending protestors scattering in all directions.
