Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has revealed that he advised against deploying the military to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during the Gen-Z protests earlier this year, citing constitutional and procedural concerns.

Speaking on a local radio station talk show on Monday, August 11, 2025, Muturi explained that while the protests erupted over youth frustrations regarding unemployment and governance, the decision to send the army to the CBD came without proper legal authorisation.

“Ilifika wakati tu sasa niliwithdraw nikasema kitu kikija, nitakuwa nikiandika tu maoni yangu. Naandika tu ushauri wangu alafu nikiona vile inazungumziwa nikama kuna vitu haziko sawa lakini nilinyamaza tu juu kazi yangu ni kushauri,” Muturi said.

He noted that he had remained silent initially, performing his advisory role, but decided to speak out as public discussions raised concerns over the legality of the deployment.

Muturi clarified that his advice was clear from the onset: the army should not be deployed to the CBD without Parliament’s approval of the necessary legislation.

“Wakati maandamano ilitokea, nilikuwa nimetoa ushauri kwamba wa wasipeleke Jeshi CBD kwanza lazima mswada ipelekwe National Assembly iidhinishe, lakini jeshi walipelekwa na baadaye mswada ikapelekwa bunge ndio bunge ifanye post-factol approval,” he stated. This sequence, Muturi explained, was problematic because it contravened constitutional procedures, which require parliamentary authorisation before such a deployment.

As the former Attorney General, Muturi added that he could not publicly reveal all advisory details because certain matters require confidentiality.

“Na kwa sababu mwanasheria mkuu hawezi tangaza hadharani kama rais then kila kitu inanyamaziwa,” he said, pointing to the limited scope of public disclosures from his office.

The Gen-Z protests were sparked by widespread youth dissatisfaction, with thousands taking to the streets to demand jobs, better governance, and an end to corruption. While largely peaceful, the protests occasionally escalated, prompting government security agencies to respond forcefully.

The army’s deployment to the CBD, a critical commercial and administrative hub, intensified debates about the balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

Muturi’s revelations add weight to calls for strict adherence to constitutional processes during times of unrest. They also highlight the importance of transparent governance and respect for the rule of law, especially in sensitive situations involving civil liberties.

As Kenya continues to grapple with youth activism and social justice issues, Muturi’s cautionary advice underscores the need for measured responses that uphold democratic principles. Muturi’s reflections underscore the need to uphold constitutional procedures, even in times of crisis.