Kenyans voice mixed reactions ahead of Wednesday’s protests

Rose Kajuju speaks during an interview with The Eastleigh Voice on June 24, 2025. She urged protestors to demonstrate peacefully. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Mary Wambui
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Many are reflecting on what the day will hold, as state officials maintain a hardline stance against protests, despite growing calls for Kenyans to show up and express solidarity with the more than 60 citizens who lost their lives.

As the clock ticks toward Wednesday's long-awaited remembrance of the victims of last year's June 25th killings, a wave of anxiety and frustration simmers across the city.

Many are reflecting on what the day will hold, as state officials maintain a hardline stance against protests, despite growing calls for Kenyans to show up and express solidarity with the more than 60 citizens who lost their lives.

More To Read

A spot check by The EastleighVoice shows that while the young are eager to honour the majority Gen Zs that died in last year's protests, a number of the older populations, though in support of the cause are concerned about the general safety due to increased use of goons to disrupt recent protests and the growing blatant use of force by the police.

Several Kenyans living or working in Eastleigh have expressed their concerns as follows: Moses Barasa, who is self-employed in Eastleigh's California estate, said protests are guaranteed under the Constitution.

"Kenyans are allowed to protest if the government does something that affects them negatively, also when abductions happen and people go missing from their homes. I think this is what Kenyans are protesting about, and the government ought to listen to them instead of harassing them," he said, adding that he, however, feels like the situation might worsen tomorrow.

"Most youth have no jobs and as such, a big number might be there to cause mayhem. As a result, shops will close, and the economy will suffer because a large number of workers will stay at home for fear of violence."

Jones Njema and Moses Barasa raise concerns over the planned protest during an interview in Eastleigh on June 24, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Barasa will, however, not be amongst those who fail to report for work. "I must report to my place of work since I am self-employed; otherwise, I will not have enough to take home on that day," he said.

He further called on the government to attend to the needs of the victims of last year's protests. "If the government opts to remain silent (on their compensation), then that will bring problems," he said.

On his part, Jones Njema from Machakos county pleaded with all to remember those lost last year in a positive light, through prayers, not destruction.

"Let us sing and pray, and all shall be well, because even we shall be remembered by our children when we die. They (victims of June 25th) were fighting for democracy, an issue that even the government should look into, not violence. You cannot purport to be commemorating someone but at the same time destroy another's vehicle, which could have been bought on loan, also when a police officer is ordered by the court to man protests in full inform, they should do just that and not wear masks, so that we are able to identify them," he urged.

A concerned Rose Kajuju, also a resident of California Estate in Eastleigh, called for peaceful protests tomorrow.

"I do not see a problem with the protests taking place; the only challenge is those causing chaos and violence. I urge those who shall participate to do so without destroying others' businesses and properties. I don't think I shall leave the house, because I fear the march may turn violent, but if my children want to, I may not be able to stop them," she told The Eastleigh Voice.

Michael Mutiso Muoki, a boda-boda rider in Eastleigh, called for the protests to be just, that no property or participants shall be harmed either by the police or by goons.

"Much as the protests are disrupting businesses, they are okay as they are for a just cause; the youth are pushing for their rights. I urge people not to interfere with others' businesses, and for the law to catch up with those who attempt to. The police should be impartial and ensure order is maintained without triggering violence, and to families that lost their lives in last year's protests, my condolences to you," he said.

Other Topics To Read

Those who expressed anger towards the government for police misconduct in past protests requested not to speak on record for fear of victimisation, others who were against the protests because they were interfering with their daily earnings, were also afraid of falling out of line with Gen Z, and thus opted to remain silent.

Boda boda rider Michael Mutiso. He urged protestors not to destroy other people's property, saying that while protesting is their right, it should be done peacefully. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Earlier today, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called on the grieving families to come forward for talks, remarks that now appear as "after thoughts" coming barely hours before the planned protests, as he reiterated the government's stand against the planned protests.

"In the Ministry, and from a human perspective, we are ready to meet the families of the victims who, unfortunately, lost their lives as a result of these political acts. We are open to having a conversation with them and exploring ways we can offer further support," he said.

At the same time, he maintained an earlier claim that the protests are planned by political actors to cause violence.

"It is unfortunate that some leaders who, just around this time last year, were standing here defending law and order are today orchestrating violence and distributing crude weapons. We will be ruthless in dealing with such characters because we want this country to remain a nation of law and order," he added.

Kenyans active on social media have been calling for mass participation in tomorrow's planned protests under a hashtag #SiriNiNumbers, as a counter to alleged attempts by the state to water down the protests and their participants by sowing fear.

Independent organisations, Human Rights organisations, and the Law Society of Kenya have, however, maintained that Kenyans must be accorded liberty to enjoy their right to protest in accordance with articles 33 and 37 of the constitution.

On its part, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for the upholding of Human Rights and the strict adherence to the rule of law during tomorrow's protests, with a reminder to all players that they have specific rights and responsibilities during the event.

"Demonstrators have the right to demonstrate and commensurate responsibility to do it peacefully and unharmed. The business community have a right to earn a livelihood without interference anywhere they desire in the Republic. The police have a right to undertake their duties without interference or provocation and a duty to operate within the law as per their Service Standing Orders. We wish to note that a fourth group previously observed on the streets commonly referred to as "hired goons" is operating outside the law," the commission's Vice Chairperson, Dr Raymond Nyeris said.

Echoing the call made by members of the international community, KNCHR further called on the police to comply with the High Court ruling requiring all security officers assigned to handle demonstrations to be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times.

"This applies to individual security officers and vehicles," the commission that will be monitoring the protests added.