Nominated Senator Crystal Asige / FILENominated Senator Crystal Asige has urged Kenya’s Gen Z activists to be vigilant online as the country marks the anniversary of the 2024 anti-finance bill protests on June 25.
Speaking in Nyali, Asige emphasized the rising threat of tech‑facilitated gender‑based violence, describing it as a hidden but serious danger for young people.
“Teaching student bodies about Tech‑Facilitated Gender‑Based Violence is vital—it’s a form of harm that hides behind screens but leaves real scars,” she said.
Asige warned that online abuse can quickly spill into the real world.
“Being targeted online might seem like ‘just posting content’, but it can lead to abuse, being tracked online, impersonation, and in the worst cases, as you saw with Albert (Ojwang)—even death,” she added.
Her call came as Kenya prepares for the June 25 protests, organized by a coalition of Gen Z activists and the United Opposition led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The rallies will feature peaceful demonstrations and candlelight vigils to honor those killed or injured during the Occupy Parliament protests a year ago.
Police have assured the public of their safety during the events.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda said authorities have put in place “enhanced plans” to protect both protesters and the general public.
“As for the 25th, we have what we call enhanced plans for that,” Seda said at a press briefing on June 18.
“The letter that was delivered to the central police station, we also have a copy of their intent.”
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, however, downplayed the planned protests.
He announced that June 25 would be treated as a normal working day and warned that no public demonstrations would be allowed.
“There will be no demonstrations on June 25. That day will be a normal working day,” Mwaura said in an interview with Radio 47. “Anyone who wishes to mark the day is free to do so—at home."
