Cheers as Babu Owino Joins Gen Z in Anti-Government Protest

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, joined Gen Z protesters in the streets of Nairobi on Tuesday, during demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests.

In a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Babu was seen being lifted by an elated crowd as he marched with the protesters in the Central Business District. The symbolic action underscored his support for the youth-led movement, which has gained traction over the past year.

The demonstrations commemorated the June 25, 2024, protests that left at least 60 people dead after clashes between police and demonstrators. Babu, who has consistently voiced support for the Gen Z movement, encouraged the youth to remain resilient in their quest for justice and accountability.

“What I will tell my Gen-Z brothers and sisters is to fight on, soldier on. It is not over until it is over,” Babu said.

“A lot can be said, a lot might be done, but I urge you, I’m with you. On a scale of between zero to 10, I’m with you at 11, supporting you at 101 per cent. Do it, make us proud, we are with you, I’m in support.”

Security was heightened in key parts of the city, with police blocking major roads leading to Parliament to prevent demonstrators from accessing protected zones.

This comes in the wake of last year’s unprecedented scenes, where thousands of Gen Z protesters stormed Parliament, catching security agencies off guard. Protesters gained entry into the National Assembly Chambers and even dined in the MPs’ canteen—an incident that led to the deaths of several young protesters.

Most businesses in the CBD remained closed as fears of chaos loomed. Nairobi City Hall recalled inspectorate staff and ordered them to be in full uniform to bolster crowd control efforts.

In Kitengela, authorities reported dispersing a group of early protesters as early as 7 a.m.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had issued a warning on Tuesday ahead of the demonstrations, urging protesters to avoid restricted areas such as Parliament and State House.

“The protesters should operate within the law while expressing themselves,” said IG Kanja, adding that officers would remain vigilant throughout the protests.