Govt reveals plan to foster Gen Z relationships with police officers after 2024 deadly protest
By Cynthia Lodite, February 13, 2026The Ministry of Interior has shared the government’s strategy in fostering Gen Z relationships with police officers, following the chaotic scenes witnessed during the 2024 protests.
In a statement by the Ministry on X on Friday, February 13, 2026, the Ministry acknowledged that the relationship was shaped by tension instead of conversation.
The Ministry highlighted that engagements between officers and the young people have often been defined by conflict, listing areas where the meetings would occur, from entertainment spots to police stations at night.
“For a very long time, engagement between our security agencies and young people has been defined by conflict. The meeting is normally scheduled on the streets during the day and in entertainment spots or police stations at night,” the Interior Ministry stated.
In addition, the Ministry noted that following the height of the June 2024 Gen Z protests, the Ministry witnessed police encounters with young people only when they were behind bars, across barricades, or in clouds of teargas.
The revelation has prompted the ministry through the Jukwaa la Wasomi to bridge the widening gap between officers and young people.
The ministry has said Jukwaa la Wasomi will bring security agencies together with student leaders, university and college administrators to speak openly about peace and safety.
“Through Jukwaa la Wasomi, we are bringing our security agencies together with student leaders and university and college administrators to speak openly about peace and safety. No trading blame, no insults, no use of force, just listening and creating real understanding,” they added.
The Ministry further noted its expectation that, from the conversations, the Ministry will inspire young people to see a place for themselves in the security agencies in championing the reforms they want to see.
Gen Z State House march
The report by the ministry comes almost two months after protesters heading to the State House on December 22, 2025, were forced to disperse after General Service Unit (GSU) officers used teargas at the Nyerere Road-Mamlaka Road intersection in Nairobi.
The rally, organised by families of youths who lost their lives during the 2024–2025 anti-government demonstrations, had been scheduled the day before. Participants aimed to meet President William Ruto to demand action on delayed justice and accountability for the fatalities.
At the time, the procession set off from Jeevanjee Gardens early in the morning, with anti-riot officers stationed along the route. As the group advanced toward Processional Way, GSU personnel blocked the junction, preventing further movement.
Efforts to continue were met with a heightened police presence and teargas, compelling demonstrators to scatter. Authorities reported several arrests, while security remained tight around the State House to block access.
The families emphasised that, as of December 18, 2025, 547 days after Rex Masai’s death, no police officer has been held accountable for the fatalities.
They criticised the government for delaying justice and compensation, despite a presidential proclamation on August 8, 2025, which established a framework for reparations to victims of police violence since 2017.