Thika man recounts ordeal in thugs' hands after church denied him refuge during chaotic Gen Z protest

Protester Kayne Khallisto has shared a harrowing account of how he was assaulted and robbed by marauding goons after a church turned him away during the night of the Gen Z-led anniversary demonstrations in Nairobi.

Kayne narrated the terrifying ordeal that unfolded after he and others sought refuge from the violence that erupted during the protests commemorating victims of last year's anti-finance bill demonstrations.

Taking to X Kayne wrote. "I got so cooked by goons. They stole everything, my phone, jacket, shoes, belt, the little cash I had. Tulikuwa tuna jificha chini ya magari. Nilikesha injee kwa some stage, matatu guys walitufungulia gari tulale," he added, describing how he and other stranded protesters were forced to hide under vehicles and eventually sleep in a matatu after public transport operators took pity on them around 2 or 3 a.m.

What stirred even more outrage online was his revelation that a church denied them entry when they knocked seeking safety.

I got so cooked by goons, they stole everything,simu,jacket,viatu,belt,the cash i had,tulikuwa tuna jificha chini ya magari,citam turned us away...nli kesha injee kwa some stage,matatu guys walitufungulia gari tulale at around 2/3am.nimefika Thika a while ago typing this on my pc

- kayne khallisto (@KayneMwangi) June 26, 2025

With nowhere else to turn, Kayne and others braved the cold streets, ultimately finding kindness from matatu operators who gave them shelter inside parked vehicles.

Thankfully, Kayne later confirmed that he made it back to Thika safely and posted his account from his computer.

The incident quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation of religious institutions and sympathy for the young man's experience. Many questioned the role of churches in times of crisis and accused them of abandoning the very people they claim to serve.

"Most churches are only good for tithe collection and visiting State House. Let's keep our expectations at a minimum level," wrote @KoiraPeter.

"Glad you are home safe. Pesa na simu utapata tena. Cha muhimu ni uko hai," added @bungomaduke, while @Wanjiru2027 thanked Kayne for "braving the cold and the streets."

Others took a more critical stance toward the church involved. @Blatta001 asked, "Everyone who goes to worship at this institution huwa mnaomba nani? Juu ni kama nyinyi are worse than illuminati," while @AtwoliiYa simply lamented, "Shame on that church."

Many Kenyans also praised Kayne's courage and resilience. @Mugure7676 wrote, "Wooi pole sana. It was a rough night. Glad you are alive to type this. We pray for restoration of stolen items. May you get more and better ones."

A few even suggested starting a contribution to help replace the stolen items. "Can we contribute at least so that you can replace the items lost? But we're very glad you're safe," offered @KayyyHope.

Kayne's story adds to the growing emotional weight of the Gen Z protests that have swept across the country, reigniting debates about institutional responsibility, citizen safety, and solidarity in the face of state brutality.

The demonstrations, held to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 protests, were meant to honour the memory of dozens of youth who lost their lives. But chaos broke out once again, and for people like Kayne, the struggle for justice came at an even more personal cost.