Mudavadi defends state’s handling of June 25 protests, slams foreign envoys ‘for overreach’
Mudavadi praised the security forces for what he called “professionalism and restraint” amid extreme provocation, warning that the country cannot tolerate violence disguised as protest.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has strongly defended the government’s handling of the June 25 anniversary protests, dismissing growing international criticism and accusing foreign envoys of overreach and misrepresenting the events.
In a special briefing to all diplomatic missions and international organisations in Kenya, Mudavadi expressed regret over the deaths and injuries during the protests but defended the security forces' actions as professional and necessary to prevent further escalation.
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“The government of Kenya deeply regrets the loss of life and the injuries sustained by both members of the public and law enforcement officers during the recent events. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives and express our heartfelt sympathy to all those injured,” Mudavadi said on Thursday.
“We wish them a quick recovery, acknowledging the vital role each individual plays in our collective nation-building efforts.”
Praised security forces
Mudavadi praised the security forces for what he called “professionalism and restraint” amid extreme provocation, warning that the country cannot tolerate violence disguised as protest.
“Their actions prevented further escalation, and we appreciate their dedication to maintaining law and order under challenging circumstances,” he said.
According to Mudavadi, what began as an intended memorial for victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests devolved into widespread violence, with destruction of public infrastructure, looting of businesses, and attacks on law enforcement facilities.
“Many citizens lost their businesses due to looting, with stock painstakingly acquired through savings or loans destroyed. The vast majority of those affected were medium and small enterprises and citizens of modest means,” he said.
“Who will compensate them? Who will replace their lost income? To condone such violence as legitimate protests is certainly not in the spirit of Kenyans’ national interest.”
Legal limits
He said constitutional rights such as those under Articles 19, 20, 33, 34, and 37 must be exercised within legal limits.
Mudavadi reminded the diplomatic corps that freedom of expression and assembly do not extend to incitement, hate speech, or violent conduct.
“Article 37 guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, but this is limited to peaceful and unarmed actions. Organisers bear the responsibility to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful,” he said.
“Who were the organisers of the intended peaceful demonstrations? Did they discharge their responsibilities as envisaged under the law?”
Government installations
He further questioned the motives behind attacks on government installations during the protests.
“When individuals attack armouries, police stations, or administrative offices, were these acts of a peaceful protest? What were the objectives of such attacks?”
On the Communications Authority of Kenya’s controversial directive suspending live broadcast of the demonstrations, Mudavadi said the move was justified under national security considerations and within the law.
“This action was proportionate and justifiable, aimed at preventing further incitement while balancing media interests with public safety. The High Court later ordered the restoration of broadcasting signals, reflecting judicial oversight,” he added.
Protests hijacked
While acknowledging diplomatic partners’ support for the right to peaceful assembly, Mudavadi insisted that parts of the June 25 protests were hijacked by actors with “ulterior, self-serving agendas,” which, he said, undermined the credibility of the cause.
“It is regrettable that these events were marred by incidents of violence, some of which targeted members of the public, including women and small business owners,” he said.
He warned that damage to infrastructure and theft of public goods, including subsidised fertiliser, amounted to acts of economic sabotage rather than civil protest.
“Violence has no place in our society, and we cannot hide behind the excuse of protesting to justify unlawful acts,” he said.
“When individuals attack law enforcement facilities or destroy private property, is that a form of protest? What was the objective of such actions? These questions demand honest reflection.”
Mudavadi thanked Kenya’s international partners for continued cooperation, but maintained that respect for constitutional institutions and legal processes remained non-negotiable.
“The biggest threat to a nation’s security arises when critical institutions collapse. Respecting constitutional institutions and adhering to legal processes are non-negotiable to prevent instability,” he warned.
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