Kenya Newspapers Review: Gen Z Rattles Govt Again as They Stage Another Smart, Decentralised Protest
On Thursday, June 26, Kenyan newspapers widely reported nationwide chaos as protesters and police clashed during the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations, highlighting renewed public anger, heavy crackdowns, and escalating tensions across several towns and cities.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
According to the daily, what was meant to be a peaceful memorial for victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests turned chaotic on Nairobi’s Kimathi Street as police disrupted grieving families with tear gas.
Families of those killed during last year’s anti-government demonstrations had gathered to honour their loved ones by laying flowers and offering prayers at key protest sites, beginning with Moi Avenue, where the first victim, Rex Masai, was shot.
But before they could proceed, police fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, forcing mourners, many of them mothers carrying their children’s portraits, to flee for safety.
Some found temporary shelter at the Nation Centre, while others regrouped at Java Restaurant.
Jacinta Ochieng, mother of Kennedy Odhiambo, said they had come to mourn, not protest.
"I brought roses for my son, and police responded with tear gas," she said.
Former chief justice David Maraga was seen guiding frightened mothers to safety as tear gas exploded behind them.
"This is an affront to human dignity. Instead of providing answers, the state is offering more violence," he said.
Gillian Munyao, Rex Masai’s mother, and Carolyne Mutisya, whose son Erickson was shot outside Parliament, both decried the police response.
Human rights activists and supporters also joined the families, many wearing 'Justice for the Fallen' T-shirts. Some collapsed coughing, while others wept from both grief and the renewed trauma.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined the families at Holy Family Basilica and later laid flowers near Parliament, which was heavily guarded.
2. The Standard
The publication reported that retired chief justice Maraga is steadily re-entering public life, drawing national attention with his growing involvement in key civic issues and strong engagement with Kenya’s youth.
On June 25, 2025, he joined demonstrators commemorating the first anniversary of the 2024 police killings outside Parliament, where he stood in solidarity with Gen Z protestors calling for justice.
Maraga has become increasingly vocal on matters ranging from politics and constitutionalism to health, social justice, and corruption.
Through town hall meetings and public forums, he has built growing support, particularly among the youth.
He has since deepened his engagement with the public, especially the youth, hosting forums in Nakuru and elsewhere where he reflects on his legacy as chief justice and outlines his vision for a more ethical and inclusive Kenya.
His approach has won admiration for its emphasis on principle and integrity in contrast to the often divisive rhetoric in Kenya’s political arena.
3. Taifa Leo
As per the Kiswahili paper, the nationwide protests turned deadly as police once again responded with excessive force, just like during the 2024 demonstrations.
Tear gas, water cannons, and even live bullets were used to disperse protestors and by 3pm, two people had died: one in Matuu, Machakos county, and another in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, both from gunshot wounds.
Security analysts told the paper that these heavy-handed tactics only escalated tensions and emboldened the demonstrators.
Experts blamed the government for failing to gather proper intelligence, coordinate effectively, or prepare for emergencies.
Security expert George Musamali criticised the authorities for underestimating the protest movement, saying it exposed a total collapse of Kenya’s intelligence systems.
Cosmas Mutava, chairperson of the Private Security Industry Association, echoed this view, noting that the youth’s ability to mobilise through social media while avoiding detection caught security agencies off guard. He stressed the need for a new, tech-savvy approach to public safety.
The use of live ammunition was widely condemned. Human rights groups documented instances of forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture. Many victims were denied legal representation and contact with their families.
Musamali argued that deploying live rounds against unarmed civilians is both unlawful and counterproductive.
Mutava warned that continued repression risks undermining the rule of law.
4. The Star
The paper reported that Kenyans could soon find it easier to recall underperforming members of Parliament, senators, and members of county assemblies, following a renewed legislative push in the Senate.
The Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, chaired by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, has launched a process to draft new laws and policies that would simplify the recall process for both elected and nominated lawmakers.
In a report tabled before the Senate, the committee called on the Office of the Attorney General to spearhead the development of a policy framework in collaboration with key institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Kenya Law Reform Commission, and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
The proposed reforms would amend the Elections Act and the County Governments Act to include clearer and more accessible procedures for recalling MPs and MCAs.
The framework would also ensure public participation and cover both directly elected and specially nominated leaders.
The committee has given the relevant state agencies six months to submit a draft policy and a Bill to Parliament.
Whether or not the policy is ready, a legislative proposal must be introduced in Parliament by February 26, 2026.
This move was prompted by a petition filed by Nairobi activist Laban Omusundi, who urged lawmakers to establish a fair recall process for nominated MCAs.
Although Article 104 of the Constitution already allows voters to recall elected representatives, critics say current legal provisions under the Elections and County Governments Acts are too rigid, making it nearly impossible for citizens to exercise this right effectively.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
