Kirinyaga Woman Rep urges Trump to shield Kenyan youth from harassment
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 2, 2025Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called on United States President Donald Trump and international human rights institutions to intervene over what she described as State-sanctioned harassment of Kenyan youths.
She spoke on Wednesday evening, September 2, 2025, during a meeting in Seattle, highlighting the escalating arrests and legal actions against young protesters.
Following the June 25, 2025, protests, which marked the anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, hundreds of young Kenyans were arrested.
Many faced serious charges, including incitement, destruction of property, unlawful assembly, and in some cases, terrorism-related offences.
Njeri Maina expressed concern that the government is using counter-terrorism laws to target dissenting youths.
“I want to call on our counterparts in various governments, including the US government, Congress, and human rights institutions, to demand protection for the Kenyan youth,” she said.
The MP emphasised that international oversight is needed to ensure justice for young people who have suffered injuries or lost their lives during protests.
Full-scale investigations
The lawmaker also urged for bilateral aid tied to human rights compliance and full-scale investigations into the misuse of counter-terror laws.
“As we appreciate that the Kenyan government is coming up with compensation mechanisms, we demand justice. There must be justice so that Kenyan parents who lost their children can find peace and closure,” she added.
Her comments come as Kenya faces criticism over its handling of protests. In June and July 2025, nationwide demonstrations drew attention to government misconduct and youth marginalisation.
During the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, police used water cannons and heavy force to disperse crowds. Reports suggest that security forces allowed armed civilians to intimidate protesters, while hundreds were detained and charged with terrorism, arson, or money laundering.
Human rights groups have warned that Kenya’s criminal justice system is being undermined by the misuse of terrorism laws. The Police Reforms Working Group stated that such actions threaten democracy and jeopardise international partnerships that safeguard national security.
Njeri Maina stressed that accountability is critical. She called for international attention to ensure that the Kenyan government respects the rights of its citizens, particularly the youth, who play a big role in shaping the country’s future.