June 25 Protests: Eldoret Gen Z Protesters Confront Police over Baton-Wielding Anti-Demo Group
- Demonstrators in Uasin Gishu took to the streets to demand justice for victims of the June 25, 2024, protests, signalling growing dissent even in the president’s stronghold
- Protesters confronted the police after spotting individuals armed with clubs, warning against the presence of suspected hired goons among peaceful demonstrators
- They declared they had lost faith in all arms of government, including the Judiciary, accusing the regime of neglecting their constitutional rights
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Uasin Gishu: Youths from Eldoret, President William Ruto’s hometown, have joined nationwide protests to demand justice for demonstrators killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Source: Twitter
Why were Eldoret youths confronting police?
In a video widely shared on social media, angry protesters are seen confronting police officers after spotting a group of non-protesting men armed with clubs.
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The youths, visibly agitated, pleaded with police to intervene and ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators.
“We don’t want goons here. There are some armed groups among us. Please tell them not to attack us. We are not causing any harm, we are peaceful,” they chanted. “We do not trust the government—not even the Judiciary.”
The confrontation highlights growing concerns among Kenyans over the alleged infiltration of peaceful protests by government-sponsored groups, widely perceived as attempts to provoke chaos and discredit the movement.
Despite the tension, several police officers deployed in the area appeared to take a passive stance, standing by as the situation unfolded.
The protests in Uasin Gishu reflect a broader national wave of unrest led largely by Kenya’s Gen Z, who have vowed to continue pressing for accountability over police brutality and governance failures.
The protests were planned to honour young Kenyans killed during the 2024 anti-bill protests.
While Nairobi protesters engaged the police in running battles, Mombasa locals took to the streets armed with whistles and other harmless items, ready to participate in the day’s demonstrations.
What else should you know about Gen Z protests?
- Saboti MP Caleb Amisi condemned the government's move to halt media houses from covering live protests
- Members of Parliament adjourned their session and left the Parliament in a hurry after failing to meet a quorum
- Musician Khaligraph Jones ran for his dear life as police fired tear gas at him during the demonstrations
Kenyans urge police to chant 'wantam'
In one light-hearted incident, a group of youths in the crowd was captured on video urging a police officer walking among them to chant 'wantam.'
Several protesters playfully held onto the officer’s shoulder, encouraging him to join in. The officer smiled and tried to make his way through the crowd, which clung to him in good spirits.
The video clip quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread laughter and reactions from Kenyans online.
Did William Ruto condemn violence during the protests?
Meanwhile, speaking from Kilifi, President William Ruto urged Kenyans to shun violent protests and respect the law, emphasising the need for national unity.
Source: Twitter
He warned that destructive demonstrations undermine the country's development efforts.
The president cited ongoing government initiatives in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation.
He called on citizens to focus on building the nation rather than engaging in counterproductive unrest.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
