ODM leader Raila Odinga has criticised what he termed as double standards by Gen Z protesters and parts of the opposition over their response to police killings during Wednesday’s nationwide demonstrations marking the June 25, 2024, anniversary of fatal shootings.

Speaking in Nyakach on Thursday, Raila condemned police brutality but questioned the sincerity of those now demanding justice, pointing out that similar violations during Azimio-led protests were either ignored or downplayed.

“For years, we led protests calling for reforms on the cost of living, electoral justice, and governance. Many of our supporters were killed. We even struggled to secure venues for memorial services, with churches shutting their doors on us,” he said.

He accused some leaders and civil groups now speaking out against police violence of being complicit or silent in the past, arguing they were only aligning themselves with current protests to seek relevance. “I am wondering those now claiming to conduct memorial prayers, where were they then? This is hypocrisy,” Raila added.

While expressing sympathy with the ongoing demand for accountability, he called for a structured approach to demonstrations.

He urged dialogue between protest organisers and police, saying such coordination would help prevent future loss of life during public action.

He however admitted that establishing that dialogue might not be easy with a movement that operates without formal leadership but remains firm in pressing for transparency and justice.

Raila said he had previously urged the government to engage protest planners through constitutional channels, warning that continued failure to do so could result in repeated deadly clashes between protesters and police.