As youthful Kenyans prepare to march to the streets tomorrow, June 25, to commemorate the one-year anniversary since the beginning of the Gen Z revolution that was marked by the anti-finance bill protests, ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya have issued a clarion call ahead of the much-anticipated protests.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, they called for peaceful demonstrations while urging participants to forego violence.

“June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill. As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence,” the joint statement read in part.

While acknowledging the essence of the June 25 protests and reaffirming Kenyans’ right to peaceful assembly, the ambassadors expressed their solidarity with the Kenyan youth as they prepare to remember those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-finance bill protests.

The diplomatic missions also warned against the use of excessive force by the police to suppress protests. They further urged the government to refrain from deploying plain-clothed officers during demonstrations.

“The use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling.”

Taking note of the June 17 protests, which were marred by ‘rungu’-wielding goons, they warned against the use of such characters to disrupt peaceful gatherings.

“We are troubled by the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy,” the statement read.

The diplomats also called for swift investigations into all incidents involving violence against peaceful protesters.

“We renew our calls for swift, transparent, and independent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protestors. Transparency and accountability are critical — not only for justice, but for restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens.”

The statement was shared via the X platform on June 24, 2025, by 11 embassies and high commissions. These are from the UK, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, among others.