Student leaders during a media briefing /HANDOUT
A section of student leaders has called on university students across the country to shun the planned protests scheduled for tomorrow to mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z demonstrations.
Addressing the media, the student leaders, led by Carlos Abich, said the planned protests are not healthy for the nation at the moment.
"We are calling upon comrades to shun the demonstrations because we are aware that some politicians have taken advantage of the situation to perpetrate illegal activities. We do not want students to become victims of uncontrolled crowds and possible skirmishes," said Carlos Abich.
The leaders urged students to stay away from the protests and instead use alternative means to commemorate those who lost their lives during the Gen Z protests.
"The recent demonstrations have been marred by goonism and other unfortunate incidents associated with such protests," said Rowzil Pauline, a student from TUK University.
The student leaders emphasized the need for peaceful remembrance and encouraged dialogue and other lawful avenues for expressing concerns.
Meanwhile Nairobi regional Police Commander Isa Mohamud noted that law enforcement agencies had only learnt of the demonstrations through social media platforms and online mobilisation campaigns.
“We have not received any official communication regarding the demonstrations. What we are seeing is information circulating on social media,” he said.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to assemble and express their views, Mohamud warned that security agencies would not tolerate criminal activities during the demonstrations.
He urged participants to conduct themselves peacefully and within the confines of the law, emphasizing that police officers would remain on high alert to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
The commander further appealed to parents and guardians to advise their children against venturing into Nairobi's Central Business District if they are not participating in lawful activities.
He warned that individuals involved in looting, vandalism, or destruction of public and private property would face legal action.
The planned demonstrations are expected to mark the anniversary of last year's Gen Z protests, which drew thousands of young Kenyans to the streets to demand greater accountability and reforms in governance.
