June 25 Gen Z protests: NCIC, Amnesty urge peace, restraint and accountability
NCIC urged all participants to exercise their right to assemble and demonstrate responsibly, warning against any form of violence or incitement.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and Amnesty International Kenya have called for calm and accountability as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In a statement, the NCIC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.
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It urged all participants to exercise their right to assemble and demonstrate responsibly, warning against any form of violence or incitement.
“The commission urges all citizens to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and respect for the Constitution during the commemorations,” the statement read.
Maximum restraint
The NCIC also urged the National Police Service to exercise maximum restraint while handling the events.
It emphasised that law enforcement officers must prioritise the protection of life and human dignity and avoid the use of excessive force.
“We urge the National Police Service to exercise maximum caution and restraint during the planned commemoration,” the Commission stated.
"The use of excessive force must be avoided at all costs. The protection of life and the upholding of human dignity must be the cornerstone of all security operations."
Hate speech caution
While acknowledging the positive role of Gen Z in promoting civic accountability and democratic engagement, the NCIC cautioned against individuals who may attempt to hijack the moment to incite division or spread hate speech.
"Hate speech and ethnic contempt are serious offences that threaten the social fabric of our nation."
Echoing these sentiments, Amnesty International Kenya urged police officers to uphold lawful policing standards and facilitate peaceful protests.
The organisation expressed concern over recent reports of violence during the June 17 protests, including claims that some officers either enabled or colluded with violent instigators.
“We remind the Inspector General of Police of his commitment to ensure tomorrow’s demonstrations are professionally managed and safe for all,” said Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton.
Amnesty called for an urgent investigation into the alleged involvement of senior officials in orchestrating unrest and demanded swift legal action against anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of their rank or affiliation.
In addition, Amnesty appealed to oversight bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to monitor the protests closely and ensure that both law enforcement and non-state actors are held accountable for any misconduct.
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