Showdown Looms as State Warns Against Lawlessness Ahead of Gen Z Anniversary Protests
NAIROBI, Kenya — A tense standoff is looming across the country ahead of planned Gen Z-led demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the historic 2024 anti-tax protests, with the government issuing stern warnings against disorder while activists and opposition figures push ahead with nationwide mobilisation efforts.
Security agencies have been placed on high alert as thousands of Kenyans are expected to participate in commemorative marches on June 25 to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill.
The government has reiterated that while citizens have a constitutional right to assemble, picket and demonstrate peacefully, authorities will not tolerate violence, looting, destruction of property or disruption of public services.
The warning comes amid growing uncertainty over the scale of the protests and concerns over possible confrontations between demonstrators and security forces.
Police Say No Formal Notification Received
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Isa Mohamud revealed that police had not received any official notification regarding the planned demonstrations despite widespread mobilisation on social media platforms.
“What we are seeing is information circulating on social media,” Mohamud said.
Speaking after a high-level security meeting involving senior police commanders at the DCI Academy in Nairobi, Mohamud warned that officers would act firmly against any criminal activity during the demonstrations.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, he emphasised that police would not allow individuals to exploit the protests to engage in unlawful acts.
The meeting formed part of a broader nationwide security strategy as authorities prepare for what could become one of the most significant public demonstrations since the events that forced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024.
Government Draws a Red Line
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen maintained that the government remains committed to protecting constitutional freedoms but insisted that public order must be preserved.
“Our Constitution allows every citizen to protest, to picket, to demonstrate and to present petitions under Article 37. That is a right and no government official can take that right away from the people of Kenya,” Murkomen stated.
However, he cautioned that the right to demonstrate should not infringe upon the rights of other citizens.
“There is also the right for our children to go to school. There is also the right to life and the right to property that the same Constitution provides,” he added.
Murkomen further argued that protests should not interfere with economic activities or disrupt ordinary Kenyans trying to earn a living.
“When you are exercising your right to demonstrate, it is not to say that your right is greater than the right of business people, including mama mbogas, to continue doing their business.”
Businesses Brace for Disruptions
As uncertainty grows, businesses across several towns have begun implementing precautionary measures amid fears of possible unrest.
Despite the concerns, the Matatu Owners Association has assured Kenyans that public transport services will continue operating normally.
Association President Albert Karakacha called for calm among operators while urging the government to provide adequate security.
“We encourage all matatu owners, drivers, crew and staff to remain calm, exercise restraint and continue providing transport services responsibly and professionally,” he said.
“The public transport sector remains committed to serving Kenyans and facilitating the movement of people and goods.”
Opposition Leaders Rally Support
The demonstrations have received backing from Gen Z activists, civil society organisations and sections of the opposition who view June 25 as a day of remembrance for victims of police brutality and those killed during the 2024 protests.
Siaya Governor James Orengo urged Kenyans to participate in peaceful commemorative activities.
“We invite all Kenyans, mothers, fathers, siblings and friends to march to Parliament to demand justice and lay flowers where our children’s lives were cruelly taken,” Orengo said.
Organisers insist the demonstrations are intended to honour those who died during last year’s unrest and to demand accountability from state institutions.
Gachagua Urges Youth to Stay Away
In a surprising twist, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua called on Gen Z protesters to avoid the streets altogether, claiming he had received intelligence suggesting attempts to infiltrate the demonstrations.
Gachagua alleged that government-linked operatives had mobilised individuals to cause chaos during the protests.
“I would kindly appeal to the Gen Zs to keep off the streets on Thursday. We need them next year. Retreat is not surrender and it is not cowardice,” he said.
“There is a better way to deal with Ruto constitutionally.”
His claims have not been independently verified.
ODM Leaders Distance Themselves
Meanwhile, a section of ODM leaders from Nairobi and Nyanza urged supporters to avoid participating in the demonstrations.
Led by Makadara MP George Aladwa and Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, the leaders argued that protests could disrupt businesses and endanger lives.
“What Nairobi residents need today is peace, jobs, business opportunities and development, not another day of chaos, fear and destruction,” Aladwa said.
Addressing journalists alongside Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Nyando MP Jared Okelo, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch and Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, Atandi also urged residents of the Nyanza region to stay away.
“This is not something we can get ourselves into. We want to ask our people to stay back,” Atandi stated.
Heavy Security Deployment Expected
Security agencies are expected to deploy heavily across major towns, including Nairobi, Eldoret, Kitale, Machakos, Kajiado and parts of Central Kenya.
At the General Service Unit headquarters, newly appointed Commandant Johana Tonui reportedly met senior commanders to coordinate operations in areas identified as potential hotspots.
Tonui directed officers to maintain professionalism while handling demonstrators.
Authorities are also considering restricting access to sensitive locations, including Parliament Square, where some groups have planned memorial activities and flower-laying ceremonies.
Nation Braces for Historic Anniversary
The anniversary carries deep political significance, coming two years after the Gen Z-led uprising that shook the country’s political establishment and ultimately forced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024.
With activists determined to commemorate the fallen, opposition figures divided on participation, and the government promising a firm response to any unrest, Kenya now faces a crucial test of its democratic freedoms and public order.
Whether the day passes peacefully or descends into confrontation may depend on the actions of both demonstrators and security agencies in the hours ahead.
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