Nairobi, Kenya – Philip Etale, the Director of Communication for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has issued a stark warning to young Kenyans planning to march to State House on June 25, accusing unnamed individuals of inciting them while shielding their own families from the risks.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Etale claimed that the youth are being manipulated by elites whose children attend high-end schools, paying up to KSh 500,000 per term, while the influencers orchestrating the protests watch safely from their homes.
“Young people are being incited to march to State House by people whose children go to high-end schools, where they pay KSh 500,000 a term per child,” Etale wrote. “And those social media influencers inciting them will be watching from the comfort of their couches and offices waiting to post… think? Use democratic means to power. Vote.”
Gen Zs Mobilise for June 25 Protests
The remarks come as Kenyan youth, largely under the banner of Gen Z, organise nationwide demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-government protests. The 2024 protests saw dozens killed and hundreds injured in clashes with police, sparking international condemnation.
This year, the movement has reignited, with activists demanding justice for government critics who have died under mysterious circumstances. The latest case is Albert Ojwang’, a vocal government critic who died in police custody under unclear conditions. Rights groups and opposition figures have accused top officials in President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating his killing—an allegation the government denies.
“They Want You to Die While Their Kids Are Safe”
Etale’s statement has stirred debate, with some accusing him of dismissing legitimate grievances, while others agree that young protesters are being used as pawns.
“It’s easy for wealthy politicians and activists to call for revolution when their own children are studying abroad or in elite academies,” said political analyst Miriam Wanjiku. “But when bullets fly, it’s the poor who suffer.”
However, Gen Z activists have dismissed Etale’s claims, arguing that their movement is organic and leaderless.
“No one is inciting us. We’re tired of police killings, unemployment, and corruption,” said 22-year-old activist Kelvin Mwangi. “If leaders won’t act, we will.”
Government on Edge Ahead of Protests
Security has been tightened around State House and key government installations ahead of the planned protests. Police have warned against “illegal assemblies,” but protesters vow to march regardless.
Last year’s demonstrations forced President Ruto to abandon controversial tax hikes after violent crackdowns drew global outrage. This time, activists say they want more than policy reversals—they demand accountability for lives lost.
Will History Repeat Itself?
As Kenya braces for another wave of unrest, the question remains: Will the government heed the youth’s demands, or will another bloody crackdown follow?
Etale’s warning underscores a growing fear—that Kenya’s political class is playing a dangerous game, exploiting youthful anger while evading consequences.
“The youth must be wise,” he cautioned. “Protest if you must, but know who stands to gain—and who stands to lose everything.”
