Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, Kitui South MP Rachel Kaki and Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo Join Mwala youth in a peace Walk during the Commissioning of a new bus for Mwala Technical and Vocational College, on June 26, 2026. Photo Courtesy . 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has accused a section of opposition leaders of exploiting the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests for political mileage instead of offering solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans.
Speaking on Thursday during a peace procession in Mwala, the legislator claimed that some opposition politicians who allegedly encouraged young people to participate in last year's anti-Finance Bill demonstrations are now using the anniversary commemorations to gain political sympathy.
Kawaya, who is regarded as President William Ruto's political point man in the Ukambani region, made the remarks while leading hundreds of Gen Z youths and students from Mwala Technical and Vocational College in a peace march along the Makutano–Mwala road.
The procession, which emphasized peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue, coincided with nationwide commemorations marking one year since the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests that rocked the country in 2024.
According to the MP, young people should focus on education, skills development, and economic empowerment rather than being used by politicians to advance political interests.
"Some leaders merely talked and urged Gen Zs to go and burn property and cause destruction, but the youth here in Mwala have chosen a different path. Instead of engaging in violence, they have come together to launch their school bus and focus on their future," Kawaya said.
The legislator later commissioned a new bus for Mwala Technical and Vocational College, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young people through education and technical training.
Kawaya criticized opposition leaders whom he accused of taking advantage of tragic events for political gain.
"These opposition leaders have nothing to offer this country. The best they can do is position themselves as opportunists during moments of national tragedy," he said.
Without mentioning specific individuals, the MP appeared to take issue with opposition leaders who participated in activities commemorating victims of the 2024 protests.
He alleged that some politicians were moving around seeking victims of previous demonstrations in order to attract media attention.
"We have seen some leaders, including some from this region, rushing around looking for people who were injured during the demonstrations so that they can take photographs and appear sympathetic. Yet they are the same people who incited young people to go to the streets," Kawaya stated.
The legislator further accused opposition figures of spreading misinformation regarding the Finance Bill debates.
"They misled our youth with propaganda and falsehoods about the Finance Bill. Even during the recent Finance Bill discussions, they attempted to spread similar misinformation, but Kenyans demanded facts and evidence," he said.
Kawaya warned against what he termed continued attempts to incite young people to engage in destructive protests, saying Kenya requires leaders who provide practical solutions rather than those who exploit public frustrations.
His remarks come against the backdrop of activities organized by opposition leaders to commemorate the victims of the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Among those who participated in the commemorations was Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who joined families of victims along Parliament Road in Nairobi where wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives during the protests.
However, Kawaya dismissed the event as political theatre intended to generate public sympathy.
"After the youth suffered and some lost their lives, the same leaders are now inciting them again to return to the streets and destroy our country," he said.
The Mwala legislator maintained that the government's priority remains creating opportunities for young people through education, technical training, and economic empowerment, arguing that peaceful engagement offers a better path for addressing the concerns of Kenyan youth.
