(NAIROBI, KENYA) – The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to opposition politicians ahead of planned Gen Z demonstrations on Thursday, saying any attempt to use the protests for political gain will be met with the full force of the law. The rallies are being organised to mark two years since young protesters stormed the parliament buildings on 25 June 2024, during demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura told the press on Monday that security forces are prepared to deal with anyone who plans to engage in violence. He said politicians have been warned to stop using the demonstrations as a platform for inflammatory statements and personal political advantage. Mr Mwaura stated clearly that Article 37 of the constitution requires demonstrations to be peaceful, and that those who take to the streets must not disrupt the activities of other citizens.
He questioned the logic of commemorating the deaths of those who lost their lives by destroying property and seeking political fame. Mr Mwaura asked why the demonstrations cannot be conducted peacefully, adding that Kenyans deserve a clear separation between legitimate protest and criminal behaviour. He also dismissed any suggestion that 25 June is a national holiday, calling on citizens to report to work and earn a living as they would on any normal day.
Data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights shows that 60 people died during the 2024 protests, though other organisations have maintained that the actual number is higher. On the matter of compensation, Mr Mwaura said the commission has so far recorded 1,500 victims who will receive payments, and that this number is expected to rise further.
Last week, President William Ruto announced that the government has set aside a total of Sh2 billion (about $15.5 million) to pay compensation to victims of past demonstrations, including those from the Gen Z protests in 2024.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also addressed the planned rallies, saying the government will not tolerate any efforts to use the Gen Z demonstrations as cover for looting and destruction of property. He warned that those who engage in such acts will face legal consequences. Professor Kindiki said the constitution protects both those who choose to participate in demonstrations and those who do not, and that there is no justification for causing chaos and interfering with the affairs of others.
He stated that no one would be allowed to threaten the state’s duty to protect Kenyans who are going about their normal business, whether travelling or running their enterprises as usual. Speaking on Sunday in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, during an interdenominational church service that also raised funds for 19 churches, Professor Kindiki repeated that the constitution permits demonstrations but leaves no room for anyone to attack another person, destroy property, or loot businesses during such events. He said every person, whether participating in a protest or not, will be protected under the law.