Kenyan political leaders from both the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the Azimio la Umoja alliance have called for the immediate prosecution of individuals accused of orchestrating violence during the Gen Z protest anniversary held on June 25th.
The protests, marking one year since the youth-led demonstrations against last year’s Finance Bill, turned chaotic in several towns, leading to deaths and widespread destruction.
Speaking at separate events across the country, leaders blamed political rivals and religious institutions for the rising tensions.
In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed jointly urged security agencies to pursue and charge unnamed political figures alleged to have funded and mobilised goons to infiltrate peaceful protesters.
In Kisumu, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Health CS Aden Duale accused elements within the opposition of inciting youth violence, warning that such actions were undermining national unity and economic recovery.
Their sentiments were echoed in Kakamega, where Kenya Kwanza MPs criticised opposition leaders for fanning ethnic tensions, and further faulted church leaders for remaining silent amid escalating unrest.
“We plead with our churches to rise above politics and join us in promoting peace and unity,” said one MP during a rally.
Meanwhile, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, speaking during a fundraiser at Barinda Catholic Church in Busia County, alleged that some political leaders were using street protests as a cover to destabilise the country and scare away potential investors.
“We cannot build the economy while leaders are financing chaos on the streets,” Atwoli stated.
Calls for justice come amid growing public concern over increasing police brutality and the state’s handling of civil demonstrations. Investigations are ongoing into both the violence and the police response during the June 25th commemorations.
