Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua explained his boycott of the June 25 anniversary of the Gen Z protests as a strategic move to prevent violence in the Mt Kenya region.

• Mr. Gachagua cited intelligence reports about mobilized criminal gangs intending to incite violence and blamed the President Ruto administration.
• Key individuals involved include Rigathi Gachagua, Former Deputy President, and political allies.
• The decision was reached following consultations during his 45-day political conclave at his home in Nyeri County.

The article criticizes Kenyan leaders for their dismissive response to the demands of Gen Z protesters, suggesting a political strategy focused on upcoming elections rather than addressing the youth's concerns.

• Human rights defenders and families of victims of Gen Z protests addressed the press on June 23, 2026.
• The tone from leaders is described as arrogant and mocking towards the protesters' demands.
• The article implies a focus on electoral gains in the 2027 elections and beyond, potentially at the expense of addressing youth grievances.

A split emerged within Kenya's United Opposition as some leaders participated in street protests marking the second anniversary of the Gen Z revolution on June 25, 2026, despite calls from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for citizens to stay away.

• Key opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and Siaya Governor James Orengo were present at the protests in Nairobi.
• This demonstration occurred amidst a push for broader participation in public dissent.
• The article highlights a division within the opposition regarding the strategy for public engagement.

Human rights activist and presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi warns that the grievances fueling the Gen Z protests from two years ago, including the high cost of living and poor governance, remain unaddressed.

• Mwangi stated that public anger has not subsided and that the government's heavy-handed response to the June 25 anniversary demonstrations, which saw significant police deployment and roadblocks, indicates a continued fear of public dissatisfaction.
• Boniface Mwangi, an activist and presidential aspirant, believes the memories of those who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests continue to inspire demands for accountability.
• He urged Kenyans to engage in meaningful political participation and to reject tribal politics, which he identified as a major obstacle to reform ahead of next year's General Election.