Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya is received at Mwala Technical and Vocational College/HANDOUT
Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya, has accused a section of opposition leaders of using the Gen Z anniversary demonstrations to seek political mileage instead of offering solutions to the country's challenges.
Speaking in Mwala on Thursday, Kawaya alleged that some opposition politicians were responsible for mobilizing young people during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, which culminated in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
The MP, who is seen as President William Ruto’s pointman in Ukambani region, claimed the same leaders were now using the anniversary commemorations for political optics.
As demonstrations were taking place in parts of the country, Kawaya joined hundreds of Gen Z youths and students from Mwala Technical and Vocational College in a peace procession along the Makutano–Mwala road.
The march was aimed at encouraging young people to shun violent protests and embrace peaceful engagement.
The legislator later commissioned a new bus for Mwala Technical and Vocational College, saying the government's focus remains on expanding opportunities for young people through education and skills development.
“Kenya needs leaders who provide practical solutions to wananchi rather than those who capitalise on moments of national tragedy for political gain,” Kawaya maintained.
His remarks come as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined families of victims of last 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests in laying wreaths along Parliament Road during the Gen Z commemoration.
Kawaya dismissed the event as political theatre, insisting it was intended to generate public sympathy rather than address the concerns of young Kenyans.
Students from Mwala Technical and Vocational College participate in a peace procession along the Makutano–Mwala Road after receiving a new bus/HANDOUT
Kalonzo and other opposition leaders joined thousands of Kenyans in commemorating the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests, lending their voices to calls for accountability, justice and good governance.
Addressing supporters, the opposition leaders praised the youth for sustaining pressure on leaders to uphold constitutional values, transparency and respect for human rights.
They said the Gen Z movement had reshaped Kenya's political landscape by demonstrating the power of peaceful civic engagement and citizen participation in governance. They also urged security agencies to exercise restraint and protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators.
Organisers, however, maintained that the anniversary events were primarily citizen-led. Across several towns and cities, protesters carried Kenyan flags, placards and portraits of those who died during last year's demonstrations, while calling for justice for victims and an end to police brutality.
The anniversary demonstrations attracted significant public attention amid heightened security, with businesses in some areas remaining closed and police maintaining a heavy presence
Despite the political backing from opposition leaders, many
participants reiterated that the Gen Z movement remains independent, emphasising
that its agenda is driven by ordinary citizens seeking responsive leadership
and meaningful governance reforms.
