Government Says No Protests Allowed on June 25 Despite Online Campaigns
The government has firmly declared that no public protests will be allowed on June 25, even as thousands of young people continue to mobilize online to honour fellow Gen Z protesters who died during last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking on a Monday morning radio interview, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that the day will go on as normal with no demonstrations permitted.
He said the government is focused on ensuring that the economy runs smoothly and that public order is maintained across the country. Mwaura emphasized that anyone who wants to remember the day is free to do so, but only from the comfort of their homes.
“There will be no protests on June 25. It will be a normal day. Those who wish to commemorate it are free to do so privately at home,” Mwaura stated clearly.
He also condemned what he described as a worrying pattern where criminals take advantage of peaceful protests to cause destruction and chaos.
Mwaura reminded Kenyans that the role of the police is to protect everyone equally, regardless of political beliefs.
He also urged the public to avoid provoking or mocking police officers who are working to maintain peace and order.
Online, various hashtags have been trending as young people call on others to join them in large numbers on June 25 for peaceful marches in memory of those who lost their lives.
However, security officials have grown increasingly concerned about online discussions that include suggestions to storm key government institutions such as Parliament and State House. These calls have triggered heightened monitoring by security agencies.
In contrast to the government spokesperson’s position, the National Police Service (NPS) appears to be taking a slightly different tone. Police officials have indicated that peaceful and lawful protests will be allowed to proceed on June 25.
This marks a shift from previous approaches where officers were often accused of using excessive force during demonstrations.
Last week, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda said that police will be present to protect peaceful protesters and prevent criminals from taking advantage of the situation.
He referenced recent demonstrations that turned violent after being infiltrated by disruptive elements.
Additionally, on Monday, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga gave a strong warning to police officers nationwide, telling them not to misuse their firearms during protests.
While speaking on Radio Citizen, he stressed that officers who use their guns irresponsibly will face serious legal consequences.
Muchiri addressed the recent controversial shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki during last week’s protests, calling the incident unacceptable. “The officers involved will be held fully accountable. Let this be a warning to others in uniform,” he said firmly.
He added that all police officers have received training on how and when to use firearms and are expected to follow strict legal guidelines. “Some of the actions we’ve witnessed do not meet the standards outlined in the law,” he noted.
According to Kenya’s Constitution, Article 37 gives all citizens the right to peacefully assemble, protest, and present petitions to the government without carrying weapons.
However, the Public Order Act requires protest organizers to notify police in writing at least three days before the protest, but not more than 14 days in advance.
While authorities can give directions on the time, place, or route of a protest to ensure public safety, they cannot completely ban peaceful protests unless there is clear and proven evidence of a serious threat to public safety or national security.
This means that despite Mwaura’s announcement, any peaceful protest that follows the legal procedures should still be protected under the law.
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