Baringo MP Jematiah tells Gen Zs to learn how to address issues, shun demos
By Faith Lagat, July 10, 2025Baringo County Woman Representative Flowrence Jematiah Sergon has sparked public outrage after urging Kenya’s Gen Z to choose self-reflection over street protests.
Appearing on a local TV station interview on July 10, 2025, the legislator dismissed the ongoing youth-led demonstrations, saying young people should focus on education rather than confronting the government.
She has weighed in on the ongoing youth-led protests, urging the younger generation to adopt more structured and respectful methods of addressing their grievances. She emphasised that while criticism of leadership is valid, it should be delivered in a manner that fosters dialogue rather than confrontation. According to her, public outrage and spontaneous protests are not sustainable solutions to national issues.
“Though even we in the government at times correct the president, I, however, cannot do it publicly because I have other means of addressing him through phone call or SMS,” said Sergon.
She further urged the youth to be intentional and strategic in their demands.
“People must know what they want and know how to articulate the same issue in the right manner… Gen Z should also know how to address an issue, not just rush into protests because it can never be a solution.” In a firm defence of the Kenya Kwanza administration, she added, “Let the ruling regime be; let them rule us—we should not give them a rough time.”
Her remarks come amid sustained anti-government protests largely driven by young Kenyans frustrated by rising living costs, joblessness, and perceived state excesses. The demonstrations, which intensified following proposed tax hikes in June 2024, which were commemorated in June 2025, have since evolved into a broader demand for accountability, transparency, and reform.
NPS issued an update on 37 people who were arrested in various parts of the country over arson witnessed during the June 25, 2025, protests to commemorate the 2024 Gen Zs who died during the demos.
In the update, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that the 37 individuals had been arraigned before the Kahawa Magistrate’s Court.
Sergon defended President William Ruto, insisting that public criticism of the Head of State was misplaced, especially from members of his own political camp. She further argued that 21-year-olds should not be struggling for jobs but instead be in school, comments that triggered instant backlash online.
While her call for dialogue and introspection may have been intended as a peace gesture, it risked sounding dismissive to a generation that feels excluded from national decision-making.
Nominated senator Tabitha Mutinda, who was also in the interview, expressed concern over the direction of the Gen Z-led protests, saying the initial demonstrations were legitimate but have since been hijacked by criminals.

Mutinda noted that what began as a genuine call for accountability has morphed into acts of violence targeting businesses and the public.
“Maandamano yalipoanza mwaka jana na Gen Z, yalikuwa ya kweli lakini yalitekwa nyara na wahuni ambao wamekuwa wakishambulia watu na biashara, jambo ambalo sasa limegeuka kuwa uhalifu,” she said. Mutinda’s remarks echo growing fears that criminal elements are exploiting the unrest, undermining the movement’s original intent and threatening public safety.
The Gen Z movement has continued to gain momentum online and on the streets, calling out corruption, police brutality, and mismanagement of public funds. The recent abductions and reports of violence against protesters have only deepened the rift between the state and the youth.
As the country faces a growing demand for change, Jematiah’s comments have reignited debate over how leaders engage with Kenya’s young population—and whether appeals for patience can still resonate in a generation that demands action now.