The earlier proposed commemoration of Gen Z victims of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests has hit a major setback after the government’s official spokesperson Isaac Mwaura condemned the cousin narrative and rejected their request to gazette June 25th as a public holiday.

The proposal had been fronted by a political alliance led by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i in which they intended to honor tens of Gen Zs who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-finance bill protests.

However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a press briefing earlier today, firmly dismissed the proposal, stating that while the loss of life was regrettable and the government remained committed to reforms, the declaration of public holidays follows a legal framework that cannot be influenced by political pressure.

“We recognize the pain felt by families affected by the unfortunate incidents of last year, but public holidays are not declared arbitrarily. There are constitutional and procedural thresholds to be met,” Mwaura said.

It now remains to be seen which measures or steps the opposition will take following this refusal by the government to allow then honour last year’s lost live. It should be remembered that during the National Prayer Breakfast, President Ruto asked for forgiveness from the youth and the atrocities committed on them last year. The President signaled the need to build new relationships of all generations to move forward as a nation.

Mwaura also insisted there government’s commitment to ensuring a proper public participation is conducted across the country for this year’s finance bill.

This is a move aimed at avoiding the deepening of President Ruto’s administration with the youth who largely voted for him in the previous general election.