President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, joined coastal leaders in Dadaso, Kilifi County, for the burial of Kilifi’s governor, Gideon Mung’aro’s father, Mzee Gideon Baya Mung’aro.
The two principals’ attendance comes amid widespread protests across the nation as youths come out in their numbers for the commemoration of the first anniversary of the June 25th protest.
Coastal leaders
Raila and Ruto were joined by Mombasa politicians, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and his Mining and Blue Economy counterpart, Hassan Joho.
Also present were area governor Absduswamad Nassir, his Homa Bay counterpart Gladys Wanga, Taita Taveta governor, and other deputy governors from across the counties.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro welcomes President Ruto and Raila Odinga at his home in Dabaso, Kilifi County. PHOTO/@chamgeiFM1/X
The president’s presence at the function comes as several cities and towns across the country witnessed scenes of police and protesters engaging in running battles.
Protests began to gather momentum on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as groups of youths streamed into the city centres of Mombasa, Kisii, Kitengela, Nakuru, and Nairobi, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding to be allowed space to mourn their fellows who died during the 2024 anti-finance bill protests.
In Mombasa, demonstrators, many of whom belong to the Gen Z movement, were seen gathering near key streets, holding handwritten placards bearing bold messages such as “Ruto Must Go,” “Justice for the Fallen,” and “We Are Peaceful.”
Protest in top gear
While the atmosphere in Mombasa was initially calm, it began to shift as more protesters converged on the city’s central points.
The early demonstrations in Mombasa remained peaceful, with youths forming lines, raising their placards high, and engaging in chants that echoed through the coastal city’s business district.
The protests in Kisii saw thousands gather at the town centre, carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for justice and government reform.
Similarly, in Kitengela, youths marched through major roads, drawing attention from local residents and authorities alike.
Nakuru was not left behind, with protestors assembling in large numbers along Moi Avenue, demanding accountability and the resignation of key government officials.
The Nairobi protests took place predominantly in the Central Business District areas.
