Senator Joyce Korir urges calm and dialogue in Gen Z protests

Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Vice Chairperson Senator Joyce Korir has called for restraint and professionalism in handling the ongoing Gen Z-led demonstrations, urging both police officers and members of the public to avoid violence.

“We cannot solve our issues through violence,” Senator Korir said.

“Even as the youths are agitated, police officers are trained to professionally handle crowds. All the Gen Zs lack is proper dialogue."

She was speaking on Friday at Aisaik village in Singorwet, Bomet County, during the burial of Collins Kipng'eno Langat, who before death was an employee of the PSC.

Kipng'eno died on June 17, 2025, from aspiration pneumonia, a condition that occurs when food, stomach acid, or saliva is inhaled into the lungs, leading to inflammation or infection.

Senator Korir described Langat as a dedicated public servant and extended her condolences to his family and colleagues.

Her remarks come amid rising public outrage following the violent suppression of anti-government protests.

On Wednesday, demonstrations across the country turned deadly, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirming that at least 16 people were killed by police.

The protests, led mostly by Generation Z youth, were sparked by widespread anger over the controversial 2024 Finance Bill, which proposed a raft of new taxes on basic goods and digital services.

The movement has since evolved into a broader demand for accountability, better governance, and youth inclusion in national decision-making.