The Gen-Z Revolutionary Movement(RGM) has revealed that a section of them have received threats and intimidating messages following the June 25 protests.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday during the protests, the movement's leadership revealed that a section of activists received messages hours leading to the protests, trying to stop them from participating.
“Some of us have received messages and threats, some of us have been called by strange numbers, but we proceed nonetheless,” one of the leaders revealed.
These claims echo similar patterns observed following last year's protests, when several activists were abducted and detained without charge.
The leaders warned that in the wake of Wednesday's protests, Kenyans could witness a surge in forced disappearances, as youth activists continue to challenge a system that views their resistance as a threat.
“We have to show the world that people power is a higher power. Whatever people are doing today might provoke everyone else in the system. Maybe from tomorrow they will start coming for some of the voices they think are influencing the movement,” the leaders told a Kenyans.co.ke reporter.
According to a report by Amnesty Kenya, 89 individuals were abducted during last year’s protests, with many still unaccounted for.
The movement has revealed that this number could increase following Wednesday’s protests.
While this year’s protests remained largely peaceful, the atmosphere was tense. The leaders, who described the day as defiant and mournful, thanked Kenyan youth for turning out for the protests.
“This is a good day because Kenyans have turned up to fight for justice. We are also mourning our lost comrades, our fallen soldiers who died last year and this year. But the fact that Kenyans are still unbowed and are saying we are not relenting and this war is not over yet,” the leaders said.
Meanwhile, the movement also announced plans to formalise its structure and expand its outreach. Previously, Gen Z had branded themselves as leaderless and party-less; however, this appears to be changing.
“As the revolutionary Gen Z movement RGM, we are sending the message that we now have to form a formidable movement, which starts with things like branding and such,” the movement revealed.
Hundreds of Kenyans flooded the streets in different counties as they commemorated the deaths of youths who have lost their lives so far in cases of police brutality.
