The Democratic Party says Gen Z secured its goal: halt all activity, even impacting President William Ruto.
The party explained that Gen Z sought to freeze national operations to push the government on the Finance Bill 2025/26.
Last year’s attempt to memorialize youth protests was thwarted when police chased the demonstrators.
They demanded a bill to recall certain MPs, a resignation from Ruto, and departure from State House.
DP Secretary Simon Peter Karanja told over 50 delegates at White House Uplands that the country must listen to youth, not beat them.
He said the event succeeded as businesses closed, civil servants stayed home, many police relaxed especially in rural areas, and matatus were not running.
Gen Z’s idea was to stop everything: though a few businesses opened in the afternoon, nothing happened in the morning; only police patrolled and relaxed.
Very few protests occurred, mainly in Nairobi, while the rest of the country experienced no riots.
Even former goons joined the movement, as there was no crime, property damage, or theft as seen last year.
Karanja requested the government to declare June 25 a public holiday, stating the party would pursue the request if the current administration declined, in anticipation of the next government’s takeover.
He added that they want Ruto to gazette the day; if not, the succeeding government will, ensuring the day is remembered for years to come.