Kenya Kwanza leaders oppose June 25 protests, rally support for Ruto agenda

Kenya Kwanza leaders have condemned the planned Gen Z anniversary demonstrations slated for June 25, urging Kenyans to shun the protests and instead support the government's development agenda.

Speaking during a women's empowerment programme in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, the leaders also called on security agencies to maintain law and order during the planned demonstrations.

More than 17 leaders attended the women empowerment programme, where they criticised the opposition, accusing it of supporting the June 25 protests.

"Naskia wanapanga maandamano. Nataka niseme nchi ya Kenya shida tunazo hazitatuliwi na vita na maandamano. Inatatuliwa kwa maendeleo na kwa njia ya kusaidia vijana, sio kuandamana barabarani,” said Kibwezi West Mwengi Mutuse.

Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi on his part said, "Sisi tumejipanga wao walete ajenda. Wanataka waanze maandamano Thursday. Murkomen shikeni watu wote. Sisi Kenya tunataka umoja, ushirikiano, tufanye kazi pamoja ndio kazi iende mbele."

At the same time, the leaders rallied behind President William Ruto, stressing the importance of unity within the Mulembe community.

"Uongozi ikuje Magharibi mwa Kenya. Wengine wanasema kama jirani nisitembee Malava. Wale majamaa lugha yao hawana sera. Tunawaambia ng'oo,” said President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet.

Lurambi MP Titus Khamala added, "Wapinzani wanaona wivu hata Kenya ikisonga mbele. Tunasema president wetu asonge mbele, aweke Kenya pale mbele. Tumpe term ya pili ndio Kenya sits on the international table."

The leaders also defended the government's development record, saying President Ruto's administration had revived the sugar industry and improved the welfare of cane farmers.

"Rais kwenye bajeti ameweka pesa. Ukienda hosi upewe dawa. Ni intention ya Rais Ruto kuwa mtu atibiwe bure. Anafanya hafanyi?" Khwisero MP Aseka Christopher.

In Kericho County, an empowerment programme for boda boda operators became a forum for leaders to defend the 2026/2027 budget.

"The National Treasury to agree on how to fast-track how UHC staff will be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms,” said Health CS Aden Duale.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula added, “It is a shame. One hundred and eighty-seven MPs hawako bungeni Finance Bill ikipitishwa. Hatutapenda wajumbe kama hao. Hao wajumbe waende nyumbani."