During today’s Morning Cafe interview on TV47, Wilson Sossion, former Secretary-General of KNUT, urged Inspector General Kanja to publish clear guidelines for the upcoming Gen Z protest anniversary.
Sossion warned that without defined protocols in place, the country risks descending into political upheaval instead of experiencing lawful public demonstration.
He drew attention to the symbolic weight of next Wednesday’s anniversary, noting that Generation Z continues to use public demonstrations to voice concerns over issues like unemployment, rising living costs, and political transparency.
Sossion argued that the absence of established rules for these protests would inevitably escalate tensions between organizers and security forces.
He emphasized that calm demonstration requires clear instructions about permitted locations, timeframes, and acceptable conduct.
Sossion voiced concern that unregulated protest environments invite confrontations. With demonstrators, security personnel, and political opportunists moving without guidance, he cautioned that the result could be chaos disguised as protest not genuine civic engagement.
In his words, without protocols in place, the country risks political anarchy rather than civil expression.
He also stressed that clearly articulated government stance on demonstration management would benefit all parties. For organizers, clarity would reduce uncertainty and help plan responsibly.
For security forces, established rules provide a foundation for managing crowds without resorting to intimidation tactics.
And for the general public, clear schedules and designated routes would minimize disruptions to daily life. Sossion noted that mutual clarity strengthens democratic engagement and reduces the chance of miscalculation.
Analysts observing recent trends suggest this call comes at a critical juncture. Last year’s Gen Z protests, though mostly peaceful, experienced moments of confrontation that provoked strong reactions from police.
These skirmishes left lingering doubt about the boundaries between peaceful assembly and disorderly action.
Sossion’s proposal is being framed as a practical step toward anchoring future protests within a lawful and predictable framework.
In urging action from IG Kanja, Sossion emphasized that the responsibility lies with national leadership to demonstrate commitment to democratic values.
Implementing protocols, he suggested, would signal respect for both youth voices and the rule of law.
It would also allow security agencies to fulfill their duty without infringing on civil liberties.
Observers believe the IG’s response in the coming days could define the tenor of next week’s events.
If guidelines are issued, scheduled, and communicated effectively, both protesters and authorities have a chance to navigate the anniversary with restraint and mutual respect.
If not, the environment may devolve, giving space for disruptive actors to hijack the agenda.
By Kenyans