Ruto warns on June 25 demos as Opposition, families mobilise

A clash between opposition leaders and government security agencies is looming after President William Ruto warned that he will not allow his opponents to interfere with public order during next week's commemoration of the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests.

President Ruto issued a strong warning over  the planned demonstrations scheduled for June 25, the anniversary of anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests, cautioning against any activities that could disrupt public order or lead to the destruction of property.

His remarks come at a time when families of the victims of the police killings, opposition leaders and the civil society have intensified preparations for nationwide protests. On Thursday, leaders among them Martha Karua and Siaya Governor James Orengo, joined activists in formally issuing a notice to the National Police Service at Jogoo House in Nairobi in compliance with legal requirements governing public assemblies.

The protests are intended to commemorate two year since the demonstrations reached a climax on June 25, 2024, when crowds occupied the Parliament Buildings.

Speaking outside the Jogoo House, where the office of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is located, they said they had received assurance from the police that the commemoration would be peaceful.

“The police have heard us after meeting them, allowed us to protest come June 25th to remember our youth who lost their lives in 2024, they stamped and signed the letter we had presented to them,” said Shakira Wafula, an activist.

“Apart from them committing to protect us, we have seen goons disrupting  past protests including the recent meeting at the All Saints Cathedral  church and therefore we request police to ensure they protect us and do not allow goons send by either government or politicians to come and disrupt us on that day,”

They made their demands to the police, , including calls for justice and accountability.

“Investigate, arrest and prosecute police officers and those with command responsibility for the killings, torture, enforced disappearance and other human rights violations. The government of Kenya must issue a public apology for the killings and all other violations committed by state agents during the Gen Z protests,” said Gillian Munyao, the mother of Rex Masai, who was killed in the protests.

They also demanded that June 25 be a national holiday, and the unveiling of a monument at Parliament Buildings where many youth were killed.

The groups asked the State to made adequate, timely and transparent compensation to survivors and families of those missing and a guarantee by the state through a clear commitment that never again will the police kill innocent Kenyans were also part of the demands. 

The demands came a few days after President Ruto at State House declared that Sh2 billion has been set aside for compensation to victims of Gen Z protests.

And speaking at the National Productivity and Performance Conference in Nairobi yesterday, the President said his administration would firmly defend the rights of all citizens while ensuring that Kenya remains a country governed strictly by the rule of law.

"We are going to do it together—the public service, constitutional commissions, the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive—and on that mission of protecting the rights of everyone, I will take charge. However, what will not be allowed is the mobilisation of people to destroy property or cause chaos," he said, underscoring a coordinated government approach to maintaining stability.

Earlier in the week, Governor Orengo described the planned date as a symbolic moment of national reflection, stating that June 25 should be observed as a public holiday. He called on Kenyans from all walks of life to participate in peaceful marches, saying the gatherings would honour those who died during last year's protests.

"Mark your calendars: June 25 will be observed as a public holiday. No work, no school," Orengo said, adding that citizens would march to Parliament to demand justice and lay flowers in remembrance of the victims.

As both the government and the opposition harden their positions, concerns are mounting over potential clashes if the planned demonstrations proceed on a large scale. Security agencies have already signalled their readiness to manage any public disorder while insisting on adherence to the Public Order Act.

The unfolding standoff highlights the deepening political and emotional divisions surrounding the legacy of the 2025 protests, with both sides framing the upcoming anniversary as either a call for national stability or a demand for accountability and justice.

Observers warn that the handling of June 25 could set the tone for Kenya's political climate in the months ahead, particularly if dialogue between state and opposition actors fails to materialise in time.