NAIROBI — The fallout from Kenya’s deadly June 25 protests has sparked fresh political tensions, with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa now calling for the arrest of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he alleges was his role in inciting the unrest.
Speaking to reporters a day after the demonstrations swept through major cities and towns, Barasa criticised what he described as a hamstrung police force unable to act against violent protesters.
“We watched as goons destroyed property while police stood helpless,” said Barasa. “The guns they carry are now just toys. Once you gag an African police officer, you endanger not just the public, but the officer too.”
At least several people were killed and numerous properties vandalised during the protests, held on the one-year anniversary of the Finance Bill demonstrations that originally galvanised the Gen Z movement.
Barasa did not mince words as he blamed Gachagua for the turmoil. “He should be arrested. The law must be applied equitably,” he insisted, accusing the Deputy President of encouraging young people to take to the streets in defiance.
His remarks have added to a growing divide within the political class, even among leaders who broadly support President William Ruto’s administration.
Rongo MP Mark Nyamita, speaking from Parliament, said the protests had veered off their original course. “The Gen Z demonstrations were meant to be about the youth,” he said. “But now we’ve let the political class hijack them. Will we mark another tragic anniversary next year?”
Nyamita advised young Kenyans to use the ballot box, not the streets. “If you disagree with Ruto’s leadership, wait for 2027. Marching to State House is not the answer.”
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Zainab went further, warning that the protests were taking on the shape of an attempted power grab. “This looks less like a peaceful demonstration and more like a veiled attempt to overthrow the government,” she said.
Yet others struck a more conciliatory tone. Nyaribari Chache MP Japheth Nyakundi urged dialogue and calm.
“We’re ready to talk if we’ve wronged the youth,” Nyakundi said. “But burning the country will hurt even Gen Zs themselves.”
He encouraged patience with the government, noting that Kenyans would have their say again at the ballot in two years.
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Lillian Syioi turned her focus on civil society groups, questioning their silence amid the destruction.
“Where are the human rights defenders now that business owners have lost everything?” she asked. “Why does every police action get labelled an abduction while officers are under real threat?”
In Emurua Dikirr, MP Johanna Ngeno warned that the protests could tear the country apart if left unchecked.
“We understand the frustrations Kenyans are facing,” he said. “But there are better ways to address them. Regime change cannot happen outside of elections.”
The demonstrations, initially driven by online youth mobilisation, have evolved into a broader outcry over government spending, unemployment, and growing public debt. However, the recent turn towards violence has raised serious questions about leadership on all sides.
