Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has criticized the June 25, 2025 protests, describing them as aimless and a betrayal of the original purpose behind the memorial.

The protests, which were meant to mark the one-year anniversary of the June 25, 2024, demonstrations that turned tragic, saw renewed unrest and destruction of property, sparking concern among leaders and business owners.

Nyamu, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician, expressed disappointment over the violence that marred what she believed would be a peaceful and respectful commemoration.

She questioned the intentions of the protesters, lamenting the shift from honouring the victims to engaging in what she saw as unnecessary chaos.

“I didn’t like yesterday’s protest. I thought it was a memorial to remember those who were killed last year. But it turned out to be violence, threats and mob tension. Why? Did you like it? Just one question, yesterday young people, what did you want to achieve? Last year the course was very loud and clear. This time, you can tell it was the first time protesters were without a course,” Nyamu wrote.

The senator also raised questions about the authenticity of the demonstrations, suggesting that the youth may have been following a script handed to them by political actors.

She condemned the destruction of property, especially businesses and warned the public against falling prey to incitement from leaders who, according to her, “have nothing left to lose.”

“Was it your strategy, or did you follow whose script? A lot of businesses were hurt. Be careful with leaders who have nothing left to lose. Leaders who have lost everything, including their conscience. I once had an ex who told me, if I can’t have you, no one else will. If I can’t be a leader in Kenya, no one else should. The devil will be defeated completely,” she added.

Her remarks appeared to taunt former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the self-proclaimed Mt Kenya spokesperson, whose silence on the matter she found notable.