As seen on his Instagram post on July 3, 202, Maina highlighted the importance of rethinking their strategies in light of the infiltration of violent elements during their peaceful protests.
Additionally, Maina emphasized the need for a new approach that excluded violent goons and further requested Gen Z to continue with their focus which was pegged on non-violence, inclusivity, and open dialogue.
Acknowledging that looting was not part of their original agenda, Maina urged Gen Z to leverage their power by remaining peaceful and engaging in constructive conversations online.
“Gen Z, you now need to retreat and rethink your strategy, violent goons have infiltrated your ranks, go back online and converse…property damage, mugging and looting were never part of your agenda. Your power lies in your ability to remain nonviolent, inclusive and also ready to listen….. we will support you, but please keep it peaceful…” Maina advised.
According to some activists, they fear violence could undermine the movement’s efforts to push for President William Ruto’s removal from office.
Many activists called for the next planned demonstration on Thursday not to take place, saying the violence was the work of ‘goons’ hired by politicians to discredit legitimate protesters or advance their own agenda.
“It seems the state has realised that the only way to counter this movement is by using goons to incite violence, break into people’s property, loot, and tarnish our cause.
“It’s time to go back to the drawing board and strategise on how best to overcome this violence and keep our protests focused on their true objectives,” activist Ojango Omondi remarked.
Despite tear gas and water cannons being used on demonstrators in the previous weeks, the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 were overwhelmingly peaceful.
