Gen Z faces down threats in return to street marches

Kenyans are bracing for mass protests today as the Gen Z movement returns to the streets, haunted by what they term sabotage, death talk and warnings of political hijack.

Online on Tuesday the tone was defiant and chaotic with some users claiming protesters are ready to die. Others spoke of printed T-shirts being used to frame demonstrators for violence. A man even deposited Sh1,000 with a mortician ahead of the protest, sparking dark humour and dread in equal measure.

“Nipatie ile pistol mzee, kuna shughuli inataka hio bithaa more than ever,” posted one user.

Another added, “Kesho tutakula lunch State House alafu twende sleepover kwa Ann Mwangangi then wazazi wapate mirrioni mbiri mbiri,” mocking martyrdom with satire.

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On June 25 protests marks one year since the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations over the thenFinance Bill shook the country. This year’s rally, dubbed #GenZProtest, is both a commemoration and a renewed push against police brutality, youth killings and bad governance.

The movement, as was last year, is still running without leaders. There are however voices therein one of them being David Maina Ndung’u, a Gen Z organiser.

Tuesday, posted on his socials saying the protests are about dignity and memory. “The Gen Z Movement is mobilising and people are planning how to meet and travel together into Nairobi CBD tomorrow for the peaceful protests demanding justice for all youth shot, abducted, tortured, murdered and forcefully disappeared for demanding a better country and working systems,” said Ndung’u.

But the protest is already being pulled in several directions. Some online posts warn of infiltration. “Mkuu, umeskia kuna T-shirts that have been printed with your picture and the intention is for goons to wear them and stab protestants so as they claim it’s your goons,” wrote @TajiriStev.

Others mock the very idea of a Gen Z bloc. “It will be too late when you come to realize there is no voting block called ‘Gen Z’,” said @kabzibit.

The lack of central leadership has fuelled both freedom and confusion. Some users describe the protest as a circus, hijacked by opportunists.
“So long as Gen Z have no party and no leader, the 25th will be a circus,” wrote @NjambaYaNgai. “Everyone wants to spearhead protests.”

Some youth leaders have clashed online over who should be the face of the movement, while others accuse journalists and activists of using the protest to raise their personal profiles.

Despite this, others are framing the protest as a moral stand. “Gen Z and the entire youthful generation should rise and fight for their rights as you commemorate your fallen comrades whose lives were prematurely taken while pursuing good governance in the country. This is a noble cause—fear nothing,” said former MP Timothy Bosire.

Emotions are running high, with many anticipating violence or chaos. “Correct man, abductions must end, police brutality must end, rule of law must prevail in this country, kesho ni kesho,” wrote @mark_otii.

Opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, have backed the protests, but critics claim they are hijacking a youth-led cause for political mileage.

Antony Muhuma, a commentator, dismissed the demonstrations as a recycled plot. “Tomorrow’s ‘mandamano’, rebranded as Gen Z protests by a wishful Gachagua, dreams of plunging Kenya into chaos to oust Ruto,” said Muhuma.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has backed the protests, urging police to exercise professionalism and assuring residents of emergency medical support through hotline 1508.

The protests will include nationwide marches, candlelight vigils and digital campaigns under hashtags such as #Justice4OurMashujaa and #NeverForgetKE.

Organisers say the day will combine peaceful processions with symbolic acts of mourning, including wearing black, carrying flowers and reading aloud the names of protest victims.

A spot check by The Standard revealed that in Nairobi, protesters will gather at 9am at the Kenyatta Avenue Roundabout before marching through Moi Avenue, City Hall Way and Harambee Avenue toward Parliament and the Office of the President.

In Kisumu, the march will begin at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground and end with a vigil at Kondele Roundabout in memory of victims including Ojwang and Karioki. In Mombasa, a 6am memorial at ACK Memorial Church will be followed by a march through Mwembe Tayari and Moi Avenue, ending at the County Commissioner’s Office, where Muslim rights groups will deliver a symbolic petition.

Naivasha protesters will assemble at BOMA Grounds by 9 a.m. and walk through the town, holding candlelight tributes and reading out names of those killed. In Kiambu, the Youth Movement will march from Kiambu Town Stage through Thindigua, linking up with other groups heading to Nairobi.

In Machakos, demonstrators will begin their procession at 10am along Ngoma Road, ending with the delivery of a protest letter at the Governor’s Office. Across the country, early morning memorials and poster-sharing online will transition into afternoon marches and evening vigils.