A section of youth from Kisumu County and the Nyanza region have withdrawn from the much-anticipated June 25 protests meant to commemorate those who lost their lives during last year's demonstrations.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the youth stated that while the protests were initially intended to be peaceful, they have allegedly been hijacked by individuals attempting to incite chaos, and they are dissociating themselves from such acts. "It has come to our attention that the noble cause that started with a clear agenda of agitating for the youth has been hijacked by the bloodthirsty politicians and the commercialised activists that want to bring anarchy to our country," one of the youths said. "As Kisumu County youths, as Nyanza Youths, we are saying that we are refraining from tomorrow's protests; we are not part of it and are requesting all other youths from Kisumu to do the same because whatever they have planned is not a protest but a civil coup," the youths continued.
A screengrab of Kenyans protesting in Nairobi on June 25, 2024 Photo Simon Mwangi The youths have urged their mates in the county to stay at home and continue with their daily economic activities and stay away from the streets.
They are of the opinion that certain politicians and activists are attempting to exploit the youth's frustrations to advance their own personal agendas.
