NAIROBI — A day after Kenya was rocked by widespread protests commemorating the deaths of young demonstrators in 2024, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei is calling for criminal investigations into those behind the latest nationwide marches.
Cherargei, a close ally of President William Ruto, described the June 25 protests as “an act of lawlessness” and accused unnamed organisers of trying to destabilise the country under the guise of peaceful remembrance.
“The unfortunate events of yesterday in the guise of peaceful demonstrations were an act of lawlessness, impunity and abuse of the law,” the senator wrote on social platform X.
“The planners, financiers and executors must be investigated and prosecuted.”
The demonstrations were held to mark one year since more than 60 young Kenyans were killed during anti-government protests against the Finance Bill 2024. This year’s protests, dubbed Occupy Parliament 2.0, drew crowds from at least 23 counties, according to civil society reports.
While most rallies remained peaceful, incidents of violence, tear gas, and arrests were reported in parts of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
Cherargei claimed that those who lit fires, looted shops, and clashed with police were acting “like economic saboteurs and coup plotters,” although he offered no evidence or specific names.
He doubled down on support for President Ruto, saying the head of state “remains unbowed, unshaken and more buoyant” in his reform agenda despite mounting pressure.
But human rights groups and professional bodies painted a grimmer picture.
The Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya Medical Association, and the Police Reforms Working Group released a joint update confirming that eight people were killed during the protests, many reportedly from gunshot wounds. Over 400 others were injured, with 83 cases requiring specialised care.
“At least eight protesters have been treated for gunshot wounds. Three of the injured are police officers,” the statement read.
“While these figures are confirmed by medics and human rights defenders, the exact toll may only become clear with time.”
The Gen Z-led protests, largely coordinated online and without a central leadership, have become a symbol of youthful frustration over economic hardship, joblessness, and political exclusion. The movement has drawn global attention for its raw messaging, artistic protest posters, and digital savvy.
Many Kenyans are still reeling from the 2024 protests, when scores of young people lost their lives during police crackdowns. The government had promised accountability, but a year later, no public prosecutions have been announced.
As tensions simmer, calls for dialogue between youth leaders and the government continue to grow.
