Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya gives speaks during the launch of the construction of the Iiyunii–Makavetii Road in Kalama, Mwala Constituency/HANDOUT
Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has cautioned Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against using the upcoming June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations to advance political interests.
Speaking during the launch of the construction of the Iiyunii–Makavetii Road in Kalama, Mwala Constituency, Kawaya challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate genuine commitment to the cause by allowing their own children to participate in the protests.
Kawaya, who is considered President William Ruto's political pointman in the Ukambani region, warned leaders against encouraging young people to expose themselves to danger for political gain.
"Leaders in Opposition, if you want to hold demonstrations, let your children be part of it," said Kawaya.
"Some leaders now pretend that they are fighting for the interests of young people. I want them to tell us, when they were in government, what they did to help the youth."
The legislator maintained that the concerns raised by Gen Z should not be transformed into a political tool, arguing that the youth movement should remain independent and free from manipulation by political actors.
According to Kawaya, the government under President William Ruto has already initiated several programmes aimed at empowering young people economically and socially.
"President William Ruto has several programmes to uplift the youth. One of them is the NYOTA programme, another is securing employment opportunities for young people abroad, while the Affordable Housing Programme has also created jobs for many youths across the country," he said.
His remarks come ahead of the June 25 anniversary demonstrations, which are expected to commemorate two years since the historic anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024.
The demonstrations culminated in the storming of Parliament, an unprecedented event that left dozens of young protesters dead or injured and sparked nationwide debate on governance and accountability.
The launch of the construction of the Iiyunii–Makavetii Road in Kalama, Mwala Constituency/HANDOUT
Over time, the anniversary has evolved beyond a remembrance event to become a symbol of youth activism, civic engagement and demands for accountability in government.
Families of victims, human rights organisations and youth activists have planned peaceful processions and memorial activities to honour those who lost their lives during the 2024 protests.
The anniversary demonstrations are also expected to renew calls for justice for victims, police accountability and broader governance reforms. Organisers have argued that many of the issues that triggered the 2024 protests, including the high cost of living, increased taxation, corruption and alleged police brutality, remain unresolved.
Some political leaders and civil society organisations have also proposed that June 25 be recognised as a national public holiday to honour victims of the protests.
Security agencies have indicated that they are prepared to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while maintaining law and order during the commemorative events.
