ODM disowns fake post claiming Raila urged Gen Z to call off protests

The post alleged that Raila had urged the youth to cancel demonstrations planned for June 25, 2025, which are meant to commemorate the first anniversary of the deaths of Gen Z protesters last year.

The poster surfaced on social media on Monday, June 16, 2025, purporting that Raila was appealing to young people to stay off the streets and remain at home.

The planned protests are in honour of slain teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.

“Let us allow the authorities to investigate and reveal what truly happened. I urge Gen Z to refrain from the protests being planned today and to remain at home,” the widely circulated post read.

The post also quoted Raila as claiming that President William Ruto had assured him that justice would be served and the family of the late Ojwang’ would receive compensation.

It further alleged that Raila had warned young people not to be misled by those exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

“I have spoken to His Excellency President William Ruto, and he has assured me that Albert Ojwang’s family will receive adequate compensation. He has also promised a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of this matter and ensure justice is served,” the post claimed.

However, ODM moved quickly to discredit the statement, posting on its official social media platforms a rebuttal that dismissed the message in its entirety.

The party labelled the post as fake, superimposing a bold red "FAKE" stamp across the graphic, which featured Raila’s photo and what appeared to be a typed message attributed to him.

ODM's rebuttal is seen as a clear intention to distance itself from any perceived attempt to pacify or neutralise the growing anger among Kenya’s Gen Z population.

The protests are scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in honour of Albert Ojwang’ and the hundreds of young Kenyans who lost their lives or were maimed while advocating for good governance.

The demonstrations were announced by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday, May 30, 2025, who called for the date to be gazetted as a national holiday.