UDA Gen Z leader Omwansa Omwansa, popularly known as Kijana Ya Ruto, has challenged Kenyans planning to demonstrate on Monday to take to the streets, warning that the government will not allow what he termed attempts to destabilise the country.
Omwansa made the remarks amid mounting pressure on the government following the recent increase in fuel prices, which has sparked public anger and renewed calls for demonstrations.
In a strongly worded statement, the UDA-linked youth leader urged Generation Z to stay away from the planned protests, claiming that some individuals were attempting to use demonstrations to undermine President William Ruto’s administration.
“I want to dare you, if you are man enough, to come to the streets on Monday. Don’t you have the right to demonstrate and picket peacefully? Then come to the streets on Monday,” Omwansa said.
He further challenged protesters to demonstrate in their respective residential areas, arguing that those living within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) should be the ones demonstrating there.
“We are not going to be fooled again. Gen Z, we are woke, and I want to urge my three million Gen Zs not to come out on Monday. Do not be misled into joining the demonstrations because things could get ugly,” he added.
Omwansa also compared the planned protests to the 2024 anti-government demonstrations, which were largely driven by young Kenyans opposed to the Finance Bill 2024 and broader concerns over governance and the cost of living.
He alleged that some of those calling for fresh demonstrations were attempting to remove Ruto from office through unconstitutional means after failing to defeat him through the ballot.
“This is not 2024, when you tried to remove my dad from office through the back door. Now that you have failed at the ballot, you are trying to use the back door through a coup,” he said.
The youth leader further accused sections of the opposition of seeking to incite violence and destroy property, insisting that businesses in Nairobi’s CBD should remain open and continue operating on Monday.
“We are not going to allow goons to burn our country. I dare you, if you are man enough, to come to the CBD on Monday. All business people and those with errands in the CBD should open their businesses and go about their work,” Omwansa stated.
He also called on police officers to keep away from the anticipated confrontation, saying his side was prepared to confront those who would turn up for the demonstrations.
“We are urging the police to keep off and leave these people to us. We will deal with you,” he said.
The remarks come as Kenyans continue to raise concerns over the rising cost of living, with the latest fuel price increases adding pressure on households and businesses already grappling with high transport and operating costs.
The planned demonstrations are expected to put the government under renewed scrutiny over its handling of fuel prices and the broader economic situation.
However, Omwansa’s remarks about confronting protesters raise concerns over the possibility of violence, as the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed, subject to the law.
