Omanga warns of rising desperation in new wave of protests
By Emmanuel Rono, May 19, 2026Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has warned that the current wave of anti-government protests is more dangerous and unpredictable than previous demonstrations witnessed in Kenya.
In a statement on her X account on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Omanga said the nature of the ongoing maandamano has shifted from politically driven protests to a deeper expression of frustration among young Kenyans facing economic hardship and loss of trust in public institutions.
According to Omanga, earlier protests were often controlled by political leaders who could negotiate and calm tensions once agreements were reached behind closed doors.
“My perspective of this maandamano today is more dangerous than maandamano in the past. Kenya has witnessed protests for decades, but today’s maandamano feels fundamentally different and more dangerous,” Omanga wrote.
“Past demonstrations were largely driven by political leaders and had clear structures, negotiators, and “off-switches.” Once leaders agreed behind closed doors, the streets often calmed. What we are seeing now is deeper than politics.”
Economic pain
She noted that the current demonstrations are largely fueled by economic pain, unemployment, heavy taxation and hopelessness among the youth, making the movement harder to control.
She cautioned the government against responding with arrogance or excessive force, saying such actions could widen the gap between leaders and ordinary citizens.
“Young Kenyans are not marching because they were instructed to. They are marching because of economic pain, unemployment, heavy taxation, hopelessness, and growing distrust in institutions. This movement is emotionally driven, digitally mobilised, and less controlled by traditional political actors. That is what makes it unpredictable,” Omanga said.
Avoid chaos
The senator called for humility, dialogue, accountability and restraint from all sides to prevent further escalation of tensions in the country.
“Kenya needs humility, dialogue, accountability, and restraint from all sides. Because once citizens lose faith in peaceful democratic processes, the streets become the alternative parliament,” Omanga said.