By Perez KarisaJune 23, 2026
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans to avoid participating in street demonstrations planned for June 25, saying the commemoration of victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests should not expose young people to violence or loss of life.
Speaking amid heightened political tension ahead of the anniversary, the former Deputy President warned that intelligence reports available to him indicate that criminal elements could infiltrate the planned gatherings and trigger chaos, putting innocent citizens at risk.
Gachagua appealed to Kenyans, particularly the youth, to honour those who died during last year’s anti-government protests in a peaceful manner and avoid confrontations that could result in fresh bloodshed.
He argued that while the Gen Z movement had awakened the country’s political consciousness, the struggle for accountability and reforms should now shift from the streets to the ballot box.
“The youth have already demonstrated their power. What remains is to translate that power into votes and ensure that leaders are held accountable through democratic means,” he said.
The DCP leader challenged young people to use next year’s General Election as an opportunity to bring about systemic change and punish leaders whose actions they believe have failed to address their concerns.
He noted that contentious issues such as the recently passed Finance Bill 2026 and broader questions of governance should ultimately be decided through the democratic process rather than through continued street confrontations.
Gachagua further claimed that there were plans by unnamed individuals within the government to deploy armed gangs to infiltrate the commemorative events and provoke violence that could later be blamed on peaceful demonstrators.
According to him, such a scenario could expose participants to deadly clashes with security forces and undermine the memory of those who lost their lives during last year’s protests.
He therefore advised Kenyans to remain indoors on June 25 and avoid unnecessary movement, especially in major urban centres where demonstrations are expected.
The former Deputy President also appealed to business owners, motorists and workers in Nairobi, the Mt Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok counties to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods by temporarily closing their establishments and avoiding exposing themselves to possible acts of looting and destruction.
He said protecting property and preserving lives should take precedence over engaging in confrontations that could negatively affect the economy.
“Our people have invested heavily in businesses and livelihoods. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of the situation and destroy what citizens have worked hard to build,” he said.
His remarks come as political leaders allied to the opposition continue to push for June 25 to be recognized as a day of remembrance for victims of the Gen Z protests.
Among those supporting the proposal are Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and leaders associated with the Democracy for Citizens Party, who argue that the day should serve as a national moment of reflection and honour for those who died or disappeared during the demonstrations.
However, the government has rejected calls to declare June 25 a public holiday.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has maintained that the date remains an ordinary working day and urged Kenyans to continue with their economic activities normally under the protection of security agencies.
Mwaura assured the public that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to guarantee peace and stability across the country.
The June 25 anniversary marks one year since nationwide youth-led demonstrations erupted in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, triggering some of the most significant protests witnessed in Kenya in recent years.
The demonstrations resulted in deaths, injuries and allegations of enforced disappearances, with families of victims and civil rights groups continuing to demand justice and accountability.
As the country prepares to mark the anniversary, calls for peaceful remembrance, restraint and political dialogue have intensified amid fears that renewed protests could once again plunge the country into confrontation.
