Police have warned against violence and destruction of property during the planned June 25 memorial, assuring Kenyans that those participating peacefully will be protected.
Speaking in Mombasa, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat said security agencies have put in place measures to ensure the event takes place peacefully while warning that anyone found disrupting order will be arrested.
Lagat emphasised that Kenyans should continue with their normal activities without fear, adding that the police would ensure peace is maintained during the memorial intended to honour those who lost their lives during the 2024 and 2025 anti-government protests.
“There won't be any problem next week. Kenyans will go on with their duties as usual. Kenyans are free to do their job without any fear, peace will prevail, and anyone found causing violence will be arrested,” Lagat said.
He assured peaceful demonstrators of protection but cautioned against acts of violence, saying security agencies would take action against individuals who interfere with public order.
Lagat also urged young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause unrest or destroy property belonging to Kenyans during the planned activities.
“I want to use this forum to urge the youth not to find time next week to be used by those who want to disrupt security in any part of the country,” he added.
He further warned criminal groups against taking advantage of the planned memorial, saying security agencies had increased operations across the country to deal with individuals seeking to cause insecurity.
Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has asked its supporters not to take part in the June 25 memorial protests, saying the party remains committed to the broad-based government.
ODM leaders, who held grassroots mobilisation meetings in Homa Bay and Kwale counties, said the focus should remain on compensating victims of previous protests instead of holding fresh demonstrations.
Led by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the leaders criticised the organisers of the planned protests, saying they had not given clear reasons why Kenyans should return to the streets.
The party maintained that it would not participate in the demonstrations, adding that it remains focused on working within the broad-based government.
“Sasa tunaona ni wazee wale waliandamana 1970s ndio wanapanga maandamano, siyo Gen Z tena,” National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who attended the Asumbi Meet the People rally, defended the Finance Bill passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, saying it was properly handled and questioned the reasons behind the planned protests.
“As long as I am the CS Treasury, I will never bring a Finance Bill that is oppressive,” Mbadi said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also urged Kenyans not to participate in the demonstrations, saying the government’s work should continue across different regions.
“Tumefaidika. Hatutaki kuona watu wetu wanaingia kwa maandamano, na iwafikie watu wetu wote wanaishi Kisumu, Migori mpaka Nakuru na hata Mombasa,” Wandayi said.
In Kwale County, ODM leaders told supporters that the broad-based government was working to deliver on economic and development commitments agreed upon when the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said the partnership had helped address challenges affecting residents at the Coast.
“Sisi hapa Pwani tumeleta suluhu ya mashamba kwa watu wetu,” Joho said.
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed defended ODM’s decision to work with President William Ruto’s administration, citing development projects and other measures taken by the government.
“Kutuletea barabara hapa ni makosa? Kuwashikilia watoto wa baba hapa Pwani ni makosa? Ndiyo maana tuko na Ruto kama ODM,” she added.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi said she had changed her position after ODM joined the broad-based government, urging Kenyans to support President Ruto’s administration.
“Mimi nilikuwa napiga kelele sana hapo awali lakini sasa tumesema tumshike mkono wa Rais Ruto,” Mnyazi said.
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