Student Leaders Warn Gachagua Against Hijacking Gen Z Agenda Ahead of June 25 Commemoration
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, June 22, 2026 — University student leaders have urged young people to uphold peace and restraint during the planned June 25 Gen Z commemoration, while warning politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, against exploiting the movement for political gain.
The leaders, drawn from Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, Zetech University, Mount Kenya University, KCA University, the Technical University of Kenya, St. Paul’s University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, said the commemoration should remain a peaceful civic activity and not descend into chaos.
In a joint statement issued in Nairobi on Tuesday, the student leaders said they fully support the constitutional right of Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully. They noted that many young people still carry deep pain and frustration over governance, accountability and justice.
However, they warned that there were growing fears that the June 25 commemoration could be infiltrated by political actors and opportunists seeking to turn a solemn public event into confrontation and lawlessness.
The leaders singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, cautioning him against meddling in Gen Z affairs or attempting to ride on the grievances of young people for political mileage.
“As student leaders, we reject any attempt by political actors, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to hijack Gen Z issues for political mileage. The concerns of young people are genuine and must not be exploited to advance personal political interests,” said Titus Irungu from Kenyatta University.
They also appealed to students and young people not to allow their anger and frustration to be weaponised into violence, destruction and disorder.
“We must not allow ourselves to be used by political opportunists. We must not allow our pain, energy and voices to be turned into violence, destruction or lawlessness,” said Rael Wambui from Zetech University.
At the same time, the student leaders welcomed the commencement of compensation for verified victims of human rights violations arising from demonstrations and public protests between 2013 and 2025, describing it as an important step towards justice and national healing.
They said compensation would not restore lives lost or erase the suffering endured by victims and their families, but insisted it remains necessary in acknowledging harm and promoting accountability.
The leaders urged all eligible victims who have not completed the compensation process, including submitting consent and payment details, to do so without delay.
They further called on students and young people who choose to attend the June 25 commemoration to do so peacefully, responsibly and within the law.
“Protect your life. Protect your neighbour. Protect public and private property. We have already lost too many young people in the streets over the years. One more life lost is one too many. No political interest is worth the life of a student or any young Kenyan,” said Robert Adhara from the University of Nairobi.
The student leaders said lasting change can only be achieved through lawful and democratic means, including voter registration, participation in political parties, public consultations, policy advocacy and engagement with elected leaders.
They also reminded young people that businesses, institutions and public facilities belong to ordinary Kenyans whose livelihoods often suffer when protests turn destructive.
The leaders urged students to reject any attempt to recruit them as agents of chaos and instead stand for discipline, peace and responsible civic action.
“Our message is simple: exercise your rights, but do so peacefully. Be vigilant. Do not be used. Do not destroy,” they said.
