Aasai

In a powerful show of solidarity and political maturity, national and regional leaders gathered in Kisumu on June 29, 2025, where they emphasized unity, peaceful engagement, and respect for constitutional order amid growing anti-government protests led by Gen Z youth.

The event, a fundraiser held in Kisumu, attracted top government officials including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah. The leaders took the opportunity to address the rising wave of discontent in the country, particularly among young people, calling for calm and caution against manipulation by political actors.

Reject Violence, Embrace Democracy

Health CS Aden Duale warned that Kenyas development was being threatened not by a lack of resources, but by selfish political interests bent on sabotaging President William Ruto’s efforts to unify the country. He decried the recent protests as being hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives, cautioning that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, violence, destruction, and looting are unlawful and unacceptable.

"You have a right to protest, but that right does not include looting, maiming, or destruction of property," Duale stated. He urged the Inspector General of Police and Interior Ministry to act decisively to safeguard the lives and property of Kenyans. “If you want to lead, wait until 2027. No shortcuts. Just like others served 10 years, Ruto deserves his time,” he added.

Nyanza Pledges Support for Ruto

In a significant political declaration, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi reiterated Nyanza’s firm commitment to working with President Ruto under the guidance of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He assured residents that the region was moving away from confrontational politics and choosing a path of development and national inclusion.

“We’ve chosen to walk with Ruto inside a broad-based government. We’re not gambling—this is deliberate. There will be no more protests in Kisumu,” Wandayi said to applause.

Call for End to Divisive Politics

Presidential aide Farouk Kibet did not mince his words as he accused opposition leaders of stoking tribal tensions and misusing the youth to advance their political ambitions. He singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what he described as spreading “dangerous and tribal narratives” that threaten national unity.

“Gachagua fears the partnership between Ruto and Raila. These kinds of politics are outdated and destructive,” Kibet said, urging youth to reject incitement and instead embrace peace and nation-building.

Protests Branded as Politically Motivated

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah painted a grim picture of the protests in Nairobi and Central Kenya, describing them as orchestrated acts of violence masquerading as civic activism. He alleged that some protesters had attempted to storm police stations, a clear indication that their intentions were not peaceful.

“This is not about Gen Z voices—it’s about failed politicians seeking relevance through chaos,” Ichung’wah declared. He called on Kenyans to move away from tribal politics and unite under a common goal of progress.

Broad-Based Government Lauded

Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron applauded the inclusive nature of the current administration, noting that it was fostering peace and development. He encouraged the youth to resist being used as political pawns and instead prepare to participate in the democratic process in 2027.

The leaders jointly emphasized that the only legitimate path to leadership lies in the ballot box, not through anarchy. They called for constructive dialogue and the embracing of national cohesion, urging young people to become ambassadors of peace rather than agents of disruption.