University Student Leaders Call for Peaceful Civic Engagement, Warn Gachagua Against Hijacking Gen Z Agenda

University student leaders from several Kenyan institutions have called on young people to exercise restraint and engage peacefully during the planned June 25 commemoration, while warning political actors against hijacking the Gen Z movement for their own interests.

In a joint statement issued on June 23, student representatives 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 (JKUAT) acknowledged the constitutional right of Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully.

The leaders said they recognize the frustrations many young people continue to express over governance, accountability and justice issues.

However, they raised concerns that the planned commemoration could be infiltrated by political interests seeking to turn a peaceful civic event into disorder.

“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 of Kenyatta University.

University Student Leaders on Political Opportunists

The student leaders explained that the concerns driving youth activism should remain independent and focused on the interests of young Kenyans rather than political agendas.

Also Read: Ruto Sends Warning as June 25 Protest Anniversary Nears

“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 of Zetech University.

The statement comes ahead of the June 25 commemoration, which is expected to draw young people seeking to remember victims of previous protests and demonstrations while showing the ongoing concerns about governance and accountability.

The leaders also welcomed the commencement of compensation for verified victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations and public protests between 2013 and 2025, describing the process as a step toward justice and healing.

They noted that while compensation cannot reverse the loss of life or erase the suffering endured by victims and their families, it remains an important measure in acknowledging past injustices.

The student representatives encouraged eligible victims who have not yet completed the process, including submitting consent and payment details, to do so promptly.

Uphold peace, Discipline and Responsible Civic Engagement

The leaders further urged students planning to participate in the commemoration to prioritize safety and remain 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 of the University of Nairobi.

Also Read: Irungu Kang’ata Explains Why He Joined Linda Mwananchi Instead of Gachagua’s Camp

The statement also encouraged young people to pursue change through lawful and democratic avenues, including voter registration, participation in political parties, public consultations and engagement with elected leaders.

The leaders reminded participants that businesses, public institutions and facilities belong to Kenyans whose livelihoods could be negatively affected by unrest and destruction.

They also urged students to reject any attempts to recruit them into violence or criminal activity during the planned events.

“Our message is simple: exercise your rights, but do so peacefully. Be vigilant. Do not be used. Do not destroy. Do not endanger your life or the lives of others,” said Mambo Felix of Multimedia University.

The student leaders concluded by calling on young people to uphold peace, discipline and responsible civic engagement as the country approaches the June 25 commemoration.
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