Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi has publicly distanced himself from the planned “Occupy Uhuru Park” protest scheduled for Thursday, July 18.
The protest was announced via a poster which has been widely circulated on social media, calling for a massive gathering of over 5 million Gen Zs at Uhuru Park.
Furthermore, the poster urged participants to bring various supplies such as camping gear, food and water, warm clothing, personal hygiene items and first aid kits.
The poster also suggested that the gathering at Uhuru Park would be followed by a mandatory march to State House.
“We are calling on all Gen Z from the outskirts of Nairobi to join us at Uhuru Park until we reach 5 million strong… Then we SHALL (Mandatory) march to State House!” read the poster in part.
Mwangi Warns Gen Z Against Attending the Protest
However, Mwangi, known for his active involvement in Gen Z-led protests, has warned against the protest and linked it to the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
In a statement on his X account, Mwangi termed the poster as a “psychological operation” orchestrated by the National Intelligence Service aimed at confusing the Kenyan youth.
Also Read: Gen Zs Announce Next Move After Tuesday Protests
“The poster asking Kenyans to gather, and then mandatory march to State House is a psychological operation by the National Intelligence Service to confuse us.” said Mwangi.
“Protesting is protected by the Constitution, but gathering to march to State House is a death trap. Stay Woke! #RutoMustGo,” he added.
Earlier, Mwangi had issued another warning to Kenyans, urging them to be cautious about such posters, he also asked Kenyans not to amplify the said poster.
“When you see some posters circulating online, please traceback their origin. The National Intelligence Service has planted people, some who even admitted working for Zakayo in the past to bring confusion.”
“They want to confuse us. Be Woke. Don’t amplify NIS posters,” said Mwangi.
Kenyans React to the Warning by Boniface Mwangi
Kenyans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the matter in reaction to Mwangi’s statement.
Some are in agreement with Mwangi’s concerns while others have expressed a desire to proceed with the protest despite the risks.
Morris Ouko, believes the protest is a calculated move by authorities to “deflate” the Gen Z movement.
“Occupy Uhuru Park is theirs, a well-designed move to deflate the movement. They are directing protesters to an easy to manage venue.”
“Previous attempts to occupy Uhuru Park have been a failure, even to Raila who had an organizational capacity to mobilize millions of protesters,” said Morris.
Another user, Mr. Pubungu expressed his disapproval of the State House march saying, “Mandatory March to statehouse, this is a suicide mission, we don’t need to die to air our divergence opinion,”
Other Varied Opinions
However, others like Heisenberg feel that the risks of protesting are no longer worth it.
“We have won most of the battles risking our lives is now not worth it let the president implement our grievances and put more pressure here than going on the streets.”
Also Read: Boniface Mwangi Schools Ndii for Comparing Gen Z Revolution to Sudan War
Serial Skeptic sees potential in the protest stating, “Me naona kuna power in numbers so in a way hio ni idea poa, we assembly and Peacefully march/picket/protest to any place in the country.”
The issue of the Gen Z movement lacking clear leadership has also been a point of discussion.
“Now see the effects of “eti LEADERLESS” one can’t tell whether its Genz’s poster or Mwangi’s poster.” said George the Don.
‘Na bado mnasema you’re leaderless,kiongozi wenu amesema hiyo poster haijatoka kwake,” said Paul Nyamweya.
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