Gachagua Hails Peaceful Gen Z Protest Anniversary, Urges Kenyans to Seek Change Through 2027 Vote
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday praised Gen Z protesters and Kenyans for marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, anti-government demonstrations peacefully, while urging citizens to pursue political change through the ballot in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued after nationwide memorial processions commemorating those who died during the 2024 protests, Gachagua thanked young people for exercising restraint and said the anniversary should be remembered as a day of reflection and tribute to the victims.
“Today, June 25, 2026, wasn’t just another day in Kenya. We remembered what they did to our children. We shall never forget,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president commended Gen Z demonstrators for heeding his earlier appeal to avoid confrontations that could result in injuries or loss of life.
“I sincerely thank my dear sons and daughters, the Gen Zs, for heeding my plea to avoid death and injury,” he said.
Gachagua also expressed appreciation to traders, business owners and local communities who temporarily closed their businesses during the commemorations, saying the move helped protect lives and property.
“I further extend great thanks to the business people, traders and neighbourhoods for trusting my better judgment and information and shutting down your premises and securing your towns and communities,” he said.
He also thanked police officers and civil servants whom he described as patriotic, claiming some had shared information with him ahead of the demonstrations, influencing his decision to advise Kenyans to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Without providing details, Gachagua said the information reinforced his call for caution during the anniversary events.
Addressing young people, the former deputy president urged them to remain patient and pursue reforms through constitutional means rather than violence.
“Tactical retreat is not surrender but strategy. Let them know that caution is not cowardice but wisdom,” he said.
Gachagua called on eligible Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the country’s future should be decided through democratic elections.
“I plead with the people of Kenya to stay alive, stay safe and register as voters, for we all have a date with destiny to liberate our country on Aug. 10, 2027. We shall liberate our country through the mechanism provided for by our Constitution, the ballot,” he said.
His remarks came as families of victims, civil society groups and opposition leaders held memorial events across the country to mark two years since the June 25, 2024, protests against the Finance Bill, during which dozens of people were killed after security forces confronted demonstrators.
The anniversary was marked by heightened security across several towns, including Nairobi, as authorities deployed police officers to maintain order and protect public and private property during the commemorations.
Gachagua said the peaceful observance of the anniversary reflected Kenyans’ desire to honor those who lost their lives while looking ahead to the next General Election as the avenue for political change.
