Kenya Kwanza Alleges Opposition Incitement in Gen Z Protests

A cloud of suspicion hangs over the upcoming Gen Z-led protests, slated for June 25th.

Leaders from the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance have publicly accused the opposition of plotting to incite chaos and derail national development.

Speaking at separate events in West Pokot and Nyamira counties yesterday, Kenya Kwanza officials asserted that there is a deliberate scheme by opposition figures to manipulate the youth protests and escalate political tension across the country. 

They warned that such actions are designed to undermine government development projects and create unnecessary instability.

mong those issuing the warnings were President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa, and South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro.

 Their remarks come as Gen Z prepare for a "memorial march" intended to honor those who lost their lives during last year's anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

The current wave of Gen Z activism, largely organized online and driven by concerns over economic hardship and proposed tax increases, has been notably decentralized and, for the most part, has transcended traditional political and ethnic lines. 

Kenya Kwanza leaders are now attempting to link the movement to opposition machinations, suggesting an ulterior motive behind the planned demonstrations.

Families of the victims from last year's protests have also voiced their concerns, urging all political actors to refrain from hijacking the solemn occasion for political mileage. 

"This day belongs to the families who buried their children and not political opportunists," stated advocate Njanja Maina. 

She further cautioned against the infiltration of peaceful protests by "paid thugs" used to instigate violence.

The allegations by Kenya Kwanza leaders risk deepening the political polarization in the country, especially ahead of the next general election.

 While the Gen Z movement maintains its independent and non-partisan stance, the ruling coalition's claims suggest a strategy to delegitimize the protests and potentially justify a robust state response.

As June 25th approaches, all eyes will be on how the protests unfold and whether the narrative of external incitement gains traction, or if the youth's demands for economic justice and accountability remain the central focus.