KENYA BRACES FOR JUNE 25 GEN Z COMMEMORATIVE PROTESTS AS MURKOMEN AND KINDIKI SIGNAL TOUGH, “ZERO-TOLERANCE” APPROACH

Murkomen and Kindiki Invoke International Precedents and Firm Stance on Protest Management Ahead of June 25

Nairobi, Kenya – June 22, 2026 — As Kenya braces for commemorative demonstrations on June 25 marking the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have outlined how the government intends to handle public protests, drawing on international examples while issuing strong warnings against violence.

CS Murkomen has repeatedly pointed to policing models in New York and London as the desired precedent for Kenya. During recent public addresses, he revealed that Kenyan officials undertook benchmarking visits to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the London Metropolitan Police. These trips focused on how major cities balance the constitutional right to peaceful assembly with robust action against criminal elements.

According to Murkomen, authorities in New York and London successfully manage large demonstrations by clearly separating peaceful protesters from criminals. “Sometimes we see huge demonstrations happening in New York, in London, how are they able to handle them peacefully?” he posed. He noted that if police spot even one demonstrator carrying a weapon, they take severe and immediate action against that individual without compromising the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Murkomen said Kenya is considering a new framework for regulating public demonstrations, informed by these international best practices. This includes better intelligence-led policing, technology integration, and mechanisms to facilitate peaceful protests while isolating looters, arsonists, or those carrying weapons such as stones, machetes, or matchsticks. He has assured that peaceful demonstrators will be protected and even escorted by police, but criminals will face the full force of the law.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has echoed the call for peace but adopted a firmer tone, declaring that there will be “no monkey business” on June 25. He warned against any attempts to exploit the commemorations for looting, property destruction, or disruption of essential services, schools, and businesses. Kindiki emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, this right does not extend to infringing on the rights of others.

Both leaders have urged political organizers and influencers to lead responsibly and ensure their supporters adhere to peaceful conduct. They stressed that the government remains committed to upholding Article 37 of the Constitution (freedom of assembly and petition) but will not tolerate a repeat of past violence.

The statements come amid heightened security preparations and divided opinions among Gen Z groups and civil society on whether to march or focus instead on justice and compensation for victims of previous protests. President William Ruto has also cautioned against illegal activities during the anniversary period.

As Thursday approaches, the government’s messaging combines an appeal for calm with a clear reference to international precedents of “zero tolerance” for criminality within protests. Whether this approach will prevent escalation or raise concerns over restrictions on democratic rights remains a subject of national debate.