Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has criticized political leaders for allegedly hijacking the recent June 25, 2025 protests, accusing them of turning peaceful demonstrations into violent, chaotic scenes of destruction.
Speaking during a church fundraiser at Magunga SDA Church, Mbadi said the original spirit of the protests had been lost due to interference from political actors pursuing selfish interests.
“What happened in Nairobi on 25th June and in some towns in Kenya, was clearly not a Gen Z revolution, not a Gen Z agitation, but rather clear, ethnic mobilization,” Mbadi said.
He expressed concern that the politicization of youth-led movements could deepen tribal divisions in the country, warning that such rifts may take generations to repair.
The former Suba MP called on leaders from all political backgrounds to rise above partisan politics and work towards national unity.
He urged leaders to put their political differences aside and focus on building a united and stable Kenya instead of stoking division for short-term political gain.
The Gen Z protests, initially sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, have drawn widespread national attention due to the massive youth involvement, the scale of mobilization, and recent tragic events involving police confrontations.
