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ODM Rallies Youth to Join Wednesday Protests, Defends Raila Against ‘Betrayer’ Tag
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a rallying call to Kenyan youth to join the Gen Z memorial protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in honor of those who lost their lives during last year’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement signed by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the party defended its leader, Raila Odinga, against accusations of betrayal following a controversial headline in The Standard titled “Gen Z Betrayers.” The label sparked backlash online after Odinga appeared to warm up to the government during a recent Cabinet retreat alongside activist Kasmuel McOure.
ODM, however, dismissed the tag as misleading and unjustified.
“As we draw close to the anniversary of the Gen Z protests, we urge Kenyans of goodwill to uphold national unity and ignore those who seek to divide us,” the statement read. “The Party has for a long time been an advocate and practitioner of peaceful protest and change.”
ODM emphasized that the Gen Z movement emerged organically and was not aligned to any political party or leader. The party described its support for the memorial as a continuation of its stand for freedom, democracy, and the right to protest peacefully.
The statement also rebuked The Standard newspaper, accusing it of running a political agenda aimed at coercing Raila Odinga and ODM into aligning with the media house’s proprietors.
“It is in really bad taste for The Standard to consistently run this narrative, knowing it is false. The journalistic tenet of truth, honesty, and fairness cannot be sacrificed for political points,” ODM stated.
The party insisted it is not part of the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that any frameworks of cooperation are solely meant to uphold peace and democratic stability.
“Whatever stability frameworks we enter into do not amount to joining the government,” ODM clarified. “We reject what appears to be the undeclared rules governing the paper’s biased treatment of our party leader.”
Meanwhile, the government has moved to suppress any attempts at organizing Wednesday’s demonstrations. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced that no protests would be permitted, urging citizens to observe the day from home.
“There will be no demonstrations on June 25, and that day will be a normal day. Anyone who wishes to commemorate it is free to do so from their home,” Mwaura said during a radio interview Monday morning.
Despite the government’s stance, online mobilization for the memorial protests continues to gain momentum under the hashtag #GenZRemembers, with organizers promising peaceful assemblies to honor fallen youth and reignite calls for accountability and reform.
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ODM Rallies Youth to Join Wednesday Protests, Defends Raila Against ‘Betrayer’ Tag