Rights groups urge state to protect Wednesday’s peaceful protest amid sabotage claims

Human rights groups are sounding the alarm over an alleged plot to deploy state-sponsored goons to sabotage the Gen Z memorial protest set for Wednesday, June 25.

The groups are urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent violence and protect the constitutional rights of peaceful demonstrators.

This follows a recent exposé by KTN News, which revealed what appears to be a coordinated and well-funded plot involving high-ranking government officials, political operatives, and digital influencers.

According to the report, the plan includes mobilising criminal gangs to infiltrate the protests, disrupt proceedings and instil fear, particularly targeting young protesters and women.

The exposé also alleges that these individuals have been promised protection and payment in return for executing violent acts during the march.

In response to the revelations, the Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the reported interference.

Hired goons

CFF condemned what they described as a dangerous scheme to use hired goons to infiltrate and destabilise the peaceful protest.

The protest, scheduled to mark the first anniversary of young people killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, has sparked fresh fears of violence and repression.

The forum called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and relevant parliamentary committees to launch urgent, independent investigations into those named in the media report.

The statement was signed by several human rights groups, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, CRECO, Defenders Coalition, MUHURI, IMLU, Transparency International Kenya, among others.

“We are gravely alarmed by credible reports, including a recent exposé by KTN News, which names individuals allegedly involved in orchestrating violent disruptions through hired criminal elements,” stated the human rights organisations.

State complicity

“These revelations point to an informal repression and dangerous pattern of state complicity in undermining civic space, inciting violence, and intimidating peaceful citizens,” they added.

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They warned that failure to act would amount to complicity and would further erode public trust in institutions meant to safeguard democratic freedoms.

The groups also demanded that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, publicly clarify the role of the police in the upcoming protest and reassure Kenyans that law enforcement officers will protect, not intimidate, citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

The human rights groups emphasised that any attempt to suppress these rights through proxy violence would be a serious violation of Kenya’s democratic values.

“The constitution of Kenya, under Article 37, guarantees the right to peacefully assemble and protest. Any attempt to suppress this right through violence, intimidation, or illegal proxy actors is a betrayal of our democratic foundations,” they stated.

“We call on all Kenyans of goodwill, civil society organisations, religious institutions, and international partners to stand in solidarity with the youth and demand accountability, justice, and protection of civil liberties.”