Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has faulted the violent turn of Wednesday’s demonstrations, stating that frustration with government or policy cannot, under any circumstances, justify lawlessness, destruction, or assault on police officers.
Barasa, in a strongly worded statement on his official X account on Thursday, June 26, 2025, expressed disappointment over what he described as a tragic deviation from peaceful reflection to reckless disruption.
He noted that the intention behind the protests had been entirely dishonoured by those who chose to engage in looting, property destruction, and attacks on law enforcement officials.
“Frustration cannot justify violence. We cannot claim to demand lawfulness by committing wrongdoing. That is not activism but recklessness,” Barasa noted.
The legislator questioned whether the chaos witnessed was spontaneous or part of what he termed a “hidden script,” suggesting that certain actors may have deliberately orchestrated violence to undermine public order and provoke confrontation.
He maintained that activism must not be confused with recklessness and insisted that true patriotism is reflected through honourable and lawful engagement.
According to Barasa, no level of frustration should drive citizens into committing acts that mirror the very injustices they claim to oppose.
“I am honestly disappointed with how things unfolded yesterday. Sijafurahi kabisa. What was meant to be a peaceful reflection turned into chaos, looting, destruction, and even assaults on our own law enforcement officers. That lawlessness was never part of the agenda. Unless, of course, there was a hidden script being followed,” he wrote.
Barasa called on the youth to resist manipulation and instead embrace boldness, wisdom, and foresight as tools for change.
He affirmed that Kenya needs a generation of visionaries capable of channelling discontent into constructive civic action, rather than allowing rage to consume their cause.
“I urge our young people: let your methods reflect honour and wisdom. Kenya needs bold, visionary youth, not a generation driven by rage and manipulation. Kenya belongs to all of us.”
Barasa is among a host of leaders who have lashed out at Gen Z for staging the heated protests without offering a clear justification for their cause.
Among them is nominated senator Karen Nyamu, who 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 they were first-time protesters with no clear objective. Was that your strategy, or were you following someone else’s script?” Nyamu questioned.
