National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John MbadiNational Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has condemned what he termed as the politicisation and ethnic hijacking of the recent Gen Z-led protests.
He accused a section of opposition leaders of exploiting the
youth-driven movement for divisive political gain.
Speaking during a church fundraiser at Magunga SDA Church in Homa Bay county, Mbadi lamented the turn of events that saw peaceful protests spiral into chaos, destruction of property, and tragic loss of life.
“What happened in Nairobi on 25th June and in some towns in Kenya was clearly not a Gen Z revolution, not a Gen Z agitation, but rather clear, ethnic mobilisation,” Mbadi said.
The protests, initially sparked by widespread discontent over the controversial Finance Bill 2024, saw unprecedented mobilisation of young Kenyans—many of whom used digital platforms to organise anniversary demonstrations across major towns on June 25.
However, the Treasury CS said the original intent of the protests had been distorted by political actors allegedly pursuing selfish, ethnic-based agendas.
Mbadi accused unnamed political leaders of "misleading young people" and inciting them to violence to serve narrow political interests.
“The political class must stop misleading young people to advance their personal agendas through chaos and violence,” he said.
“What began as a youth movement for economic justice has sadly been turned into a platform for tribal polarisation.”
The former Suba MP warned that the increasing politicisation of youth-led movements could entrench ethnic divisions in the country, cautioning that such rifts could take generations to heal.
He urged politicians from all parties to rise above partisan politics and instead focus on fostering unity and national stability.
“We must put Kenya first. Let us build bridges, not barriers. The future of our country depends on how we handle this moment,” Mbadi added.
At least 19 people died and 531 were injured during Wednesday’s nationwide demonstration called to honour those killed during last year’s anti-government protests.
The protests turned chaotic, with police clashing with protesters in different parts of the country.
Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday during a fundraiser in support of the Bunge la Wananchi initiative in Kisumu county, National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed Mbadi's sentiments.
"What we saw in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya, what we saw last week, were not peaceful demonstrations. What we saw were anarchists, people who want violence to take root in our country," he said.
"If you go to Ukambani and say Kambas are your cousins, what about Luos, Luhyas? We are all brothers and sisters in the Republic of Kenya."
