University Student Leaders Call for Peaceful Activism, Warn Against Political Co-Optation of Youth Agenda

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 23 – Ahead of the planned public commemorations slated for Thursday, June 25th, student leadership from Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Zetech University, Mount Kenya University, KCA University, Technical University of Kenya, St. Paul’s University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have urged Kenya’s Gen Z and youth demographics to prioritize safety, restraint and civic responsibility.

While addressing the media in Nairobi the student leaders affirmed that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully.

They also acknowledged the pain, frustration and concerns that many young people continue to express over governance, accountability and justice.

However, the leaders warned that there are growing concerns that the planned commemoration may be hijacked by political actors and other opportunistic elements seeking to turn a peaceful civic activity into chaos, confrontation and lawlessness.

The student leaders specifically cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against meddling in Gen Z affairs or attempting to appropriate the concerns of young people for political gain.

“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.

Additionally, they further urged students and young people not to allow their pain, energy and voices to be turned into violence, destruction or lawlessness. “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,” stated Rael Wambui from Zetech University said.

Further, The leaders noted the commencement of the compensation process for verified victims of human rights violations arising from demonstrations and public protests between 2013 and 2025.

They described the process as an important step towards acknowledging the pain suffered by victims and their families.

While noting that compensation cannot bring back lost lives or fully erase the suffering endured, the student leaders said it remains a necessary step towards justice, accountability and healing.

Subsequently, they encouraged all eligible victims who have not completed the process, including providing consent and payment details, to do so without delay.

The leaders urged students and young people who may choose to attend the 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”, stated Robert Adhara from the University of Nairobi.

“One more life lost is one too many. No political interest is worth the life of a student or any young Kenyan”.

They also called on young people to pursue change through lawful and democratic means, including registering as voters, joining political parties, influencing policy from within, engaging elected leaders, participating in public consultations and using all mechanisms available under the Constitution and the laws of Kenya.

Furthermore, they urged the youth to remember that the nation’s infrastructure and local enterprises are built by and for everyday citizens noting that damaging such spaces doesn’t just hurt a faceless entity; it directly disrupts the lives and livelihoods of ordinary working people who rely on them daily.

The leaders called on students to reject any attempt to mobilise them as goons or agents of chaos, and instead stand for peace, discipline and responsible civic engagement.

“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,” Mambo Felix from Mutimedia University said.