What began as a day of remembrance quickly spiraled into confrontation. Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has accused Gen Z protesters of hijacking Wednesday’s memorial demonstrations, turning what she called a “sacred day” into one marked by “intimidation and chaos.”
In a strongly worded statement shared on Instagram Thursday morning, Nyamu said she had hoped for a solemn, peaceful tribute to those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-tax protests.
“I expected a day to honor the victims of last year’s protests, but it turned into chaos and intimidation,” she wrote. “It was sad to see a noble cause reduced to fear and destruction.”
The protests, staged across major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret, were meant to remember young Kenyans killed in 2024 during nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill. But this year’s memorial march came amid fresh anger over President Ruto’s decision to sign the 2025 Finance Bill into law, despite growing opposition from young people.
While many who took to the streets say their goal was justice and accountability, Nyamu questioned their motives. She criticised the protesters for what she described as a lack of direction.
“Did you even have a plan?” she asked in her post. “It felt like many were protesting for the first time, without a clear goal. Was that intentional, or was someone else pulling the strings?”
Nyamu, a vocal member of the ruling coalition, also alleged that businesses owned by Kikuyus were deliberately targeted during the unrest. Without naming names, she challenged community leaders to defend their own.
“Many of the businesses that suffered belong to hardworking Kikuyus. Where is the so-called spokesperson for the community now?” she asked.
In one of her more personal and pointed remarks, Nyamu likened certain political figures backing the protests to a bitter ex.
“There are leaders today whose ambition has turned toxic,” she said. “They have lost everything, including their conscience. If they can’t lead Kenya, they’d rather see the country burn. May the devil be defeated!”
Still, Nyamu’s criticism stands in contrast to the voices of thousands of young Kenyans who say they were on the streets for a reason.
Protesters called for answers about the deaths and disappearances from last year’s unrest. They also demanded greater government accountability, police reform, and an end to what they see as political impunity.
“We came to honour the fallen,” said 22-year-old protester Wanjiru Mwangi, holding a placard outside Nairobi’s Kenyatta Avenue. “We’re tired of being ignored. We’re tired of being killed. This is our cry for justice.”
No senior government officials were reported to have attended the public memorials.
While some demonstrations remained peaceful, others were marred by clashes with police, teargas, and vandalism. Social media was flooded with videos showing both moments of unity and tension.
For now, Kenya remains deeply divided on the meaning of these protests. What is clear, however, is that the younger generation is unwilling to be silent-even if their methods stir debate.
