Justina Wamae: Gen Zs should withdraw from streets and register as voters
By Nancy Marende, July 9, 2025Former Roots Party deputy running mate Justina Wamae has called upon Gen Z to withdraw from demonstrations and focus on the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a local TV station on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Wamae noted that the Kenyan youths did not vote during the past general elections.
“As the country is, it’s time to withdraw and retreat and focus on matters of 2027. In most general elections, youths do not vote; they say their votes are going to be stolen,” she stated.
She has urged the youths to register as voters and volunteer in the parties of their choice as party agents to prevent the rigging of votes.
“The strategy should change towards registering as a voter, looking for a political party you support, and volunteering as a party agent to protect the votes,” she added.
Additionally, she noted that withdrawing from the streets will prevent more deaths after the Saba Saba commemorations led to the loss of 31 people.
“Gen Zs should keep off demonstrations to prevent more deaths and loss of property. I think the solution is for the genuine Gen Zs to keep off protests for now so that the goons lack the space to join them,” she stated.
Saba Saba protests
The protests, led primarily by Gen Zs, erupted on Monday, July 7, 2025, over governance issues, economic hardships, and growing public distrust in state institutions.
In a statement on July 8, 2025, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed 107 injuries, two abductions, and 532 arrests linked to the nationwide demonstrations.
Further, the Commission condemned the excessive use of force by police and called for accountability from all responsible parties.
“The KNCHR strongly condemns all Human Rights violations and urges accountability from all responsible parties – including police, civilians, and all other stakeholders. We once again send our message of condolence to those who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those nursing injuries,” the commission said.
The commission added that the events surrounding the July 7 protests were a stark reminder of the need to uphold constitutional rights and freedoms, particularly the right to peaceful assembly.