Cherargei Warns Gen Z Protest Organizers as State Insists June 25 Will Be ‘Business as Usual’

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Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei. Photo Courtesy

With anticipation building around the planned Gen Z-led protests on June 25, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has come out strongly, urging the government to hold those behind the demonstrations personally responsible should violence erupt.

Addressing the rising momentum of youth-led agitation against police brutality and extrajudicial killings, the senator emphasized that while Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37, it also safeguards citizens from harm and disorder.

“If any lives are lost, property destroyed, or public order compromised, those organizing and funding these protests must face individual accountability,” Cherargei asserted.

A vocal ally of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the senator issued a firm caution to protestors against approaching State House, calling it a restricted zone under the law. “State House is not a venue for demonstrations. Any attempts to breach its security will not be tolerated,” he warned.

He also took aim at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) suspected of backing the protests. “The NGOs regulatory board should act swiftly and revoke licenses of activist groups fueling unrest through illegal demonstrations,” he added.

On the same day, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura sought to defuse tension around the protest plans, maintaining that June 25 will go on as a regular working day. He dismissed speculation of a widespread national shutdown.

“There are no official protests scheduled for that day. Anyone wishing to reflect on the issues being raised is welcome to do so privately and peacefully at home,” Mwaura said on Monday, June 23.

He also condemned what he described as the “criminal hijacking” of protests by opportunistic elements who use such platforms to incite violence and chaos. Mwaura reiterated the state’s stance that law enforcement will ensure public safety and act within the law but will not hesitate to intervene where order is threatened.

“It’s within the rights of Kenyans to protest but those protests must remain peaceful, lawful, and unarmed,” Mwaura said. “No one has the right to endanger lives or mock the police.”

As tensions simmer, both government officials and youth organizers remain locked in a delicate standoff with the nation watching closely to see whether June 25 will mark another chapter in Kenya’s protest movement or pass quietly as authorities intend.

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