Passaris calls for unity and reflection ahead of Gen Z protest anniversary
By Valerian Khakayi, June 24, 2026Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called on Kenyans to use the upcoming anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests as a moment of remembrance, reflection and national introspection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, ahead of the anniversary, Passaris paid tribute to the young people who lost their lives during the protests, while expressing solidarity with their families who continue to live with the pain of their loss.
“Tomorrow, Kenya marks two years since the Gen Z protests of June 25, 2024. As we remember the young lives lost, we stand with the families who continue to carry the pain of that loss and reflect on the aspirations of a generation that called for a better Kenya,” Passaris wrote.
The legislator noted that the anniversary presents an opportunity for the country to strengthen its democracy and recommit to the values of justice, accountability and peaceful engagement.
According to Passaris, Kenyans should use the occasion to listen to one another and engage constructively on issues affecting the country.
“This anniversary should be a moment of remembrance, reflection, and national introspection. It is an opportunity to listen to one another, to strengthen our democracy, and to recommit ourselves to the values of justice, accountability, and peaceful engagement,” she added.
Passaris’s warning
She cautioned against allowing grief, frustration or political differences to fuel hatred, division or chaos, arguing that democracy thrives when citizens debate issues, challenge leaders and demand accountability.
“As we reflect, let us guard against allowing grief, frustration, or legitimate political differences to be turned into hatred, division, or chaos,” Passaris warned.
“Our democracy thrives when we debate issues, challenge leaders, and demand accountability, but it suffers when anger becomes an end in itself.”
Passaris also called on leaders to remain attentive to the concerns of citizens, particularly young people, whose voices played a central role during the 2024 demonstrations.
She said those seeking leadership positions should be guided by a desire to serve the public rather than revenge, personal interests or the pursuit of power.
“The president was elected by the people and entrusted with the responsibility to serve the nation. Those in leadership must listen to the voices of citizens, especially the youth. Equally, those seeking leadership must ensure that their pursuit of change is driven by service, not by revenge, selfish ambition, or the mere desire for power,” she stated.
Drawing from Hebrews 3, Passaris urged Kenyans to embrace dialogue and understanding while rejecting violence and efforts to divide the country for political gain.
“Hebrews 3 reminds us: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” As a nation, we must listen to one another. We must reject violence, reject hate, and reject attempts to divide Kenyans for political gain,” she wrote.
The woman representative further urged Kenyans to honour those who lost their lives by working towards a more just, accountable, peaceful and united nation, adding that the memory of the victims should inspire citizens to strengthen democracy and build the future that many young Kenyans envisioned when they took to the streets to demand change.
“May the memory of those we lost inspire us to build a more just, accountable, peaceful, and united Kenya. Let us honour them not by deepening our divisions but by strengthening our democracy and working together for the future they believed in,” Passaris urged.