Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that security agencies are prepared to facilitate Thursday’s planned June 25 demonstrations, affirming the government’s commitment to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while warning against any attempts to turn the protests into acts of lawlessness.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday evening, Murkomen said authorities had received communication from citizens intending to hold demonstrations and that police officers would be deployed to safeguard participants and members of the public.

He emphasized that the government recognizes the right of every Kenyan to express themselves through lawful protests.

“Tomorrow is a normal working and school day; however, the police are in receipt of a notification by some citizens who would like to engage in public demonstrations,” Murkomen said.

“The government respects the Constitutional rights of every citizen to peacefully assemble for any reason on any day, any time. Article 37 guarantees every person the right to peacefully and unharmed to assemble to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to public authorities,” he added.

The Cabinet Secretary said officers have been instructed to provide security and guide demonstrators throughout the planned activities, urging organisers and participants to ensure that the events remain peaceful.

“Police are therefore ready to provide security and guide the protesters tomorrow according to their request. We call upon all the organisers and participants to conduct their demonstrations within the bounds of the law, ensuring they remain peaceful and unharmed,” he said.

Even as he affirmed support for lawful demonstrations, Murkomen expressed concern over reports that some individuals could attempt to exploit the gatherings for political gain or criminal activities.

He warned that the government would not hesitate to act against anyone who uses the protests as a cover for violence, destruction of property or intimidation of innocent citizens.

“It has come to our attention that some political actors are planning to use the protests for their political campaigns and are hellbent to mobilise goons, gangs and criminals with all manner of crude weapons to cause mayhem by attacking businesses and civilians,” he said.

“Our position as government is that we will deal decisively and in accordance to the law with anyone or groups seeking to exploit legitimate protests to cause chaos, engage in looting, destroy property, disrupt businesses or commit any other criminal acts,” he added.

Murkomen’s remarks appeared to contrast with comments made earlier in the day by Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud, who had told journalists that authorities in the capital had not received formal notification regarding the planned anniversary events.

“We have not received any formal notification so far. Hence, we are not aware of the alleged commemoration. We do not expect any gathering in Nairobi tomorrow,” Mohamoud said.

The regional commander noted that organisers of public assemblies are required to notify the nearest police station at least three days before the event, adding that police have successfully managed dozens of demonstrations across the country since the beginning of the year.

National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga also reiterated that officers would maintain law and order and respond firmly to any criminal conduct during public gatherings.

“I want to remind Kenyans that the work of the police is to maintain law and order. Anybody who tries to go outside of the law will be dealt with accordingly. Anybody who goes outside of the law will face the full force of the law. The officers have firm instructions to deter any criminal elements,” Nyaga said.

The planned demonstrations are expected to commemorate the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets in one of the country’s most significant civic movements in recent years.

As the nation prepares for the anniversary, attention remains fixed on whether the events will proceed peacefully, with both authorities and organisers calling for restraint, responsibility and respect for the law.