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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 50909, member: 636"] Former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana slammed government claims linking ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to youth protests. Kibwana questioned how Gachagua could mastermind demonstrations that erupted months before his October 2024 removal from office. The Gen Z uprising kicked off in June 2024 against a controversial finance bill. State officials have pushed narratives suggesting political players orchestrate the movement. Gachagua has denied any connections to youth mobilization efforts. The nationwide protests expanded beyond the original finance bill opposition into broader demands against corruption and police brutality. Young demonstrators returned to streets on June 25, 2025 marking the first anniversary while demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang who died in police custody. Face mask vendor Boniface Kariuki suffered fatal head wounds when anti-riot officers shot him at close range during protests. Police buried Kariuki on July 11 in Kangema after he succumbed to injuries. Gachagua condemned the violent police crackdown and dismissed claims about political engineering behind the youth movement. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described protests as attempts to destabilize government through unconstitutional means. President Ruto branded demonstrations a national security threat and told officers to shoot protesters in legs. The president suggested political opponents exploit protests to topple his administration. Rights groups reported 31 deaths during recent unrest while police confirmed 11 fatalities during July 7 protests alone. Gen Z demonstrators maintain they operate without political party alignment and focus demands on police accountability and economic reform. [/QUOTE]

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