President William Ruto has cautioned against any unlawful actions during next week’s June 25 memorial march, planned to remember those who died in the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
Speaking on Friday at the National Productivity and Performance Conference held at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Nairobi, Ruto said participants must not infringe on the rights of other Kenyans, interfere with economic activities, or destroy property.
“The one thing that will not be allowed is for people to be mobilised to destroy property, create chaos or cause mayhem. That will not happen,” Ruto said.
The June 25 memorial has been arranged by families, relatives and friends of those killed during the anti-government demonstrations, which peaked with protesters entering Parliament grounds on June 25, 2024, while opposing the Finance Bill, 2024.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights put the number of people killed during the protests at 60.
The memorial plans have drawn backing from civil society organisations, human rights defenders and opposition members, who have officially informed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja about the proposed procession.
Those supporting the event include former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senior Counsel Gitobu Imanyara.
Organisers plan to march to Parliament Buildings, lay flowers at spots where protesters were shot and submit a memorandum calling for justice for the victims and an end to police brutality.
They have also urged Kenyans to observe a nationwide stay-away, asking parents to keep children out of school and workers to remain at home as a sign of remembrance.
Ruto rejected the call, saying everyday activities across the country would continue without interruption.
“Children will go to school because it is their right to attend school. Workers will go to work because that is how we raise the productivity of our nation. Businesspeople will open their businesses because that is how we grow our economy. Farmers too, and everyone,” he said.
The planned memorial comes amid growing fears of possible violence after earlier incidents in which suspected hired gangs entered demonstrations and disrupted otherwise peaceful gatherings.
During last year’s anniversary commemorations, groups of men carrying clubs and riding motorcycles were seen attacking protesters and journalists, sometimes in the presence of police officers, leading to accusations of law enforcement inaction and complicity.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has recently warned about politicians allegedly hiring criminal gangs to create disorder during public gatherings and political events.
Despite assurances from security agencies, worries remain that organised groups could again infiltrate the June 25 procession.
Last week, Inspector General Kanja ordered a nationwide crackdown on suspected criminal gangs and politically sponsored goons following an increase in politically linked violence, including an attack by armed youths at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi.
The security operation is expected to continue in the days before the memorial as authorities work to prevent disruption during the planned commemorations.