Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei is now calling for the investigations and prosecution of the organisers of the June 25 protests.
The protests had been organised in remembrance of the over 60 Kenyan youths who died in Gen Z-led anti-government protest in June 2024.
According to Cherargei, the demonstrations were largely peaceful, save for a few specific places where they were executed by people he did not name but only referred to as economic saboteurs and coup plotters.
He said their acts amounted to impunity and abuse of the law, and the people behind it must be investigated.
The senator insisted that the destruction of property, looting and killings must not go unpunished.
“The unfortunate events of yesterday in the guise of peaceful demonstrations were an act of lawlessness, impunity & abuse of law that the planners, financiers & executors MUST be investigated & prosecuted!. The burning, killings, maiming & looting of businesses & disruption of peace in a few areas must not go unpunished,” Cherargei said on X.
He reiterated that President William Ruto remains unbowed despite the demos and remains committed to delivering on his promise of transformation.
“Ruto remains unbowed, unshaken & more buoyant & committed in delivering transformation in the country.”
The senator’s remarks come in the wake of unprecedented nationwide protests, largely mobilised on social media by young Kenyans demanding transparency, accountability, and more inclusion in governance.
The demonstrations, which began as a pushback against the controversial Finance Bill 2024, evolved into a broader generational outcry against corruption, poor leadership, and limited economic prospects.
The Gen Z protests, largely leaderless and decentralised, have shifted national discourse and drawn international attention for their bold defiance, use of digital tools, and unfiltered messaging.
Lobby groups, including the Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association, said eight protesters were killed in the protests.
It said that at least 400 others sustained injuries and were treated, with 83 of them referred to specialised treatment.
“At least eight protesters have been treated for gunshot wounds. Three of the injured are police officers. While these figures are confirmed by medics and human rights defenders, sadly, the exact figures may only be known with time.”
The protests saw Kenyans from at least 23 counties come out to demonstrate.
