By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 25 June 2026 - Siaya Governor James Orengo has hailed the nationwide demonstrations held to mark the anniversary of the June 2024 Gen Z protests, describing the commemorations as a success despite heavy security measures and restricted access to parts of Nairobi.
Speaking during a press conference after participating in the demonstrations, Orengo said he stood in solidarity with Kenyans who took part in protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other parts of the country.
"Today, I stood with courageous Kenyans in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and across the nation to mark the historic Gen Z protests anniversary. I salute every patriot who took to the streets, and every citizen who honoured this day from home," he said.
The governor accused authorities of facilitating groups that disrupted peaceful demonstrators, alleging that some individuals involved in harassing protesters were operating with police protection.
"The mask has completely fallen. It is now undeniably evident that the goons unleashed to harass peaceful citizens were state-sponsored, operating under police escort. But intimidation cannot silence a nation," Orengo claimed.
He said protesters successfully marched to Parliament Buildings, where they laid a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations of June 2024.
"Despite the state's desperate resistance, we marched to Parliament and laid a wreath in honour of our fallen heroes who died during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations," he said.
Orengo criticised the extensive security measures put in place in Nairobi, including barricades erected along key roads leading to Parliament and other government installations.
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"I remembered Baghdad. We need to support democracy, we need to respect our Constitution," he said, expressing concern over what he termed excessive restrictions on movement and assembly.
The governor further argued that the commemorations were successful, claiming many Kenyans had embraced calls to treat June 25 as a day of remembrance by staying away from work and business activities.
"The streets are vacant and people are at home to mark the day," he said.
Orengo also invoked a popular phrase associated with youth-led movements, saying: "They tried to bury our youth; they forgot they were seeds. The struggle for a just Kenya continues."
However, critics of the demonstrations disputed claims that the protests attracted significant public participation. They argued that low turnout in some areas reflected public fears of possible violence, looting, and clashes between protesters and security forces rather than support for the demonstrations.
The June 25 protests were organised to commemorate the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests that shook the country in 2024 and left several people dead and many others injured, sparking ongoing calls for accountability and reforms.