Gachagua Breaks Silence After Gen Z Protests

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has broken its silence following the nationwide Gen-Z protests held to commemorate those who died during the June 25, 2024, demonstrations.

In a statement dated June 25, 2025, the party condemned the government’s decision to shut down several media houses’ broadcast signals.

“The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) strongly condemns the government’s brazen decision to shut down several media houses’ broadcast signals following today’s countrywide protests,” read part of the statement.

According to the DCP, this act is a direct assault on the constitutional right to freedom of the press and amounts to state-sponsored censorship.

Gachagua Condemns Media Blackout and Police Brutality

At the same time, Gachagua’s party condemned police brutality against protesters, arguing that this action is a violation of human rights.

“Even more disturbing is the use of excessive force by security agencies, including the shooting and killing of unarmed demonstrators with live bullets.

Today, ordinary Kenyans—many of them young people—took to the streets peacefully to express their frustrations and to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the killing of 60 people and the many others who are still missing. Instead of listening, the government responded with brutality, bullets, and a media blackout,” read part of the statement.

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Additionally, the DCP Party issued the following demands to President William Ruto’s government:

1. An immediate end to police brutality and the unlawful use of live ammunition on peaceful demonstrators.
2. The immediate restoration of all media operations and full respect for press freedom as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution.
3. Justice for the families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the state meant to protect them.

The DCP’s statement comes hours after the country witnessed nationwide protests, with the government receiving widespread condemnation for its actions against both media houses and protesters.

KNCHR Highlights Details of Causalities During Protests

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also condemned the excessive use of force by police, including the use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, which violated international human rights standards.

“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has been monitoring the demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the Gen-Z protests. The Commission is alarmed by the continuous violations of human rights and the non-adherence to the rule of law by both state agencies and select groups of citizens,” said the Human Rights body.

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According to the KNCHR, at least eight people were killed, with most deaths attributed to police action, primarily from gunshot wounds.

More than 400 individuals, including protesters, police officers, and journalists, were injured. Injuries resulted from live ammunition, rubber bullets, batons, and tear gas exposure.

Specific reports noted that two protesters died from gunshot wounds in Matuu, approximately 100 km from Nairobi, with at least eight others injured in the same town.

The KNCHR also reported that 61 individuals were detained during the protests.

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