Nairobi, June 26, 2025 — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has strongly condemned the violent nature of Wednesday’s Gen-Z-led protests, accusing unnamed political actors and elements within the media of orchestrating chaos in a bid to derail President William Ruto’s development agenda.
Addressing a press briefing in Nairobi, UDA Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar said the demonstrations had been hijacked by criminal elements under the guise of constitutional freedoms.
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“Freedom of expression does not grant a license to loot, vandalize or paralyze the economy. We must draw a clear line between genuine dissent and calculated sabotage,” said Sen. Omar.
The protests, which began as youth mobilizations against the Finance Bill 2025, turned destructive in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru. Several businesses were looted, private property vandalized, and public order disrupted.
Sen. Omar described the unrest as a result of sustained incitement against the government.
“This violence is the culmination of deliberate, unchecked incitement. Some influencers, politicians, and even segments of mainstream media are pushing toxic narratives of exclusion and shareholding, threatening our national cohesion,” he said.
Flanked by UDA officials including Deputy Executive Director Higgins Mbugua and Directors Margaret Andanyi, Rob Jillo, Daniel Kiptoo, and Grace Gicovi, Omar warned that the party would not allow Kenya’s democratic gains to be exploited by what he termed “saboteurs.”
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“We must protect the right to protest, yes — but never allow it to mutate into economic sabotage or tribal mobilization,” added party official Nathaniel Mong’are.
The UDA further praised the Kenya Police Service for exercising professionalism and restraint amid provocation.
“Several officers sustained injuries while protecting the public and private property. Their discipline under pressure is commendable and deserves recognition,” said Director Rob Jillo.
The party called for open channels of dialogue while warning that national unity must not be sacrificed at the altar of street theatrics or incitement.
As tensions simmer and youth-led activism gains momentum online, the UDA’s statement signals a hardening stance by the government against what it sees as a rising tide of anti-establishment agitation.
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