Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura speaking during a press briefing at Harambee Annex in Nairobi.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, June 22, 2026 — The government has called on Kenyans planning to participate in the June 25 demonstrations to uphold peace and refrain from acts of violence as the country marks one year since the Gen Z-led protests that shook the nation.
Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee Annex in Nairobi, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura reaffirmed that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions. He said peaceful protests remain a vital pillar of democracy and provide citizens with an avenue to express their views on matters of national concern.
As preparations for the demonstrations gather momentum, Mwaura urged participants to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and avoid actions that could endanger lives or destroy property.
The government acknowledged the significance of June 25, a date that many Kenyans intend to use to commemorate those who lost their lives during last year’s protests. However, Mwaura warned that recent demonstrations have increasingly been infiltrated by criminal elements who exploit peaceful gatherings to engage in looting, vandalism and violence.
He noted that while the government remains committed to protecting the right to protest, it also has a duty to safeguard the rights of other citizens to conduct business, travel freely and carry on with their daily activities without disruption.
Mwaura reiterated that police brutality is unacceptable and must be addressed whenever it occurs. At the same time, he said attacks against law enforcement officers are equally unlawful, stressing that every Kenyan is entitled to protection under the law.
He explained that security agencies are mandated to intervene whenever demonstrations turn violent in order to restore order and protect lives and property.
The government also dismissed calls to declare June 25 a public holiday, maintaining that the day will remain a normal working day. Kenyans were encouraged to continue with their economic activities as the country seeks to sustain growth and recovery.
According to Mwaura, recent protests have caused losses exceeding Sh6 billion, affecting businesses, transport operators and investors across the country. He said further disruptions would place additional pressure on an economy that is still recovering from previous shocks.
The spokesman also accused some political leaders of attempting to capitalize on public demonstrations for political gain. He cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric and confrontational politics, saying such actions risk deepening divisions and undermining national cohesion.
Mwaura warned that security agencies have been placed on high alert and will act against individuals found inciting violence, destroying property or disrupting public order.
“No one is above the law. Those who organize, finance or participate in criminal activities during demonstrations will face the full force of the law regardless of their political status,” he said.
Beyond the planned protests, the government announced that compensation for victims of past human rights violations will begin soon under the Uwiano Programme.
The initiative, backed by a Sh2 billion allocation from Parliament, seeks to compensate victims of violations dating back to 2017. More than 1,500 claims have already been verified, including cases involving deaths, serious injuries and sexual violence during periods of unrest.
Mwaura said the programme is intended to promote healing, reconciliation and restorative justice while ongoing investigations and prosecutions continue independently.
The government also expressed concern over rising incidents of political intolerance and violence in various parts of the country ahead of the 2027 General Election. It warned that attacks targeting political opponents threaten democratic freedoms and national unity.
As the June 25 demonstrations draw closer, the government appealed to Kenyans to honour the memory of those lost during previous protests through peaceful and lawful actions that strengthen democracy while preserving public safety and national stability.
