A market in Homa Bay./FILE
Homa Bay town was calm and business operations went on normally amid Gen Z protests on Wednesday.
The demonstrations were to protest the murder of Gen Zs by police during the anti-government protests that took place in June last year.
Gen Zs Job Otulo and Henry Ochieng ’said they were not pleased with the way the state has handled issues when they exercise their constitutional rights.
“Gen Zs in Homa Bay are demonstrating to show solidarity with their colleagues across the country that condemns brutality of police on protesters. We’re not going to stop any time soon,” Otulo told journalists during the demos.
He claimed the police have formed a habit of killing youths who criticise the state over governance.
The youth called on opposition leaders to stop taking advantage of their demonstrations to push their political agenda.
“We’re telling former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition colleagues to be straightforward and face President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. They shouldn’t hide behind Gen Z demos to fight their wars,” Otulo said.
They vowed to continue participating in protests until the government understands and addresses their issues.
Otulo also took a swipe at Homa Bay leaders who were against their demonstrations.
They are exercising their democratic rights as enshrined in the constitution, he said, threatening to withdraw their support for the united government if the state does not stop killing protesting youths.
“Gen Zs don’t fight development projects undertaken by the broad-based government in Homa Bay. What we don’t want is the killing of youths by police,” he added.
Ochieng’ singled out the death of Albert Ojwang' while in a cell at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
He said they are also remembering Denzel Omondi, who was murdered during last year’s protest. Omondi was a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
“Many educated youths don’t have jobs. We’re tired of the government which doesn’t understand the cries of the young people,” Ochieng said.
Nonetheless, some youth were against the demonstrations.
They said there is a need for people to remain calm and give the government time to implement its development agenda.
The group, led by Evans Otieno, said Homa Bay has experienced a lot of demonstrations in the past which interfered with progress.
“Demonstrations interfere with development and cause loss of life. We want peace that is supported by President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga,” Otieno said.
