Ministry of Interior Cautions Kenyans ahead of June 25th Protests: "Don't Provoke Police"

• The government says Kenyans are at liberty to partake in their much-anticipated protests on June 25, 2025
• It, however, would not tolerate acts of lawlessness, according to the Ministry of Interior, which released guidelines within which the protesters ought to exercise their right to demonstrate
• The protesters have been cautioned against, among other things, provoking law enforcers and breaching the protected areas

The government has issued guidelines to be observed by members of the public partaking in the anticipated protests on Wednesday, June 25.

In the recent past, the country has been drawn up to what is believed to be a mega march in commemoration of the deadly events in June last year when tens of young Kenyans were felled by police bullets outside the parliament buildings at the height of the anti-tax protests.

While mobilising across the social media networks, a section of the public had hinted at storming critical governmental installations, the Nairobi State House in particular, the protagonists hinting at "chasing" President William Ruto out of office.

The threat seemed to have unsettled the bureaucrats in Ruto's regime, with the Ministry of Interior issuing guidelines discouraging such a move.

The ministry, under CS Kipchumba Murkomen, outlined several aspects of lawlessness during the protests, which it said would not be condoned.

Whilst appreciating the right to assemble and peaceably demonstrate, the government warned the public against; provoking the police, interfering with non-protesters, damaging property, breaching protected areas such as the state house, spreading propaganda and carrying weapons.

At the same time, the government greenlighted the protesters to; express their views peacefully, stay within the designated zones of protests, move with groups of protesters and protest within the legally allowed time.

In the meanwhile, odm leader Raila Odinga has strongly defended Kenyans' constitutional right to protest, calling on the government and police to act responsibly and respect the law.

Speaking in Mombasa county, Raila said the planned protests would commemorate the lives lost during last year’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.

He stressed that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, picket, and present petitions to public authorities, as long as they do so peacefully and unarmed.

He pointed out that those intending to demonstrate only needed to notify the authorities in advance, including sharing details such as the starting point, route, end location and time.

To support his argument, Raila referenced peaceful protests witnessed in countries such as the United States, where police provided security and maintained order without violence.

Raila urged law enforcement officers to rebuild trust with the public, warning that attempts to suppress demonstrations would be futile.

He also appealed for civility, stating that demonstrations should not be used to destabilise the country’s economy.

Looking back at the protests of 2024, Raila shared how young people told him to stay out of the demonstrations, insisting they would lead the charge themselves.

The veteran politician expressed sorrow over the brutal police response, saying some protestors were shot dead before the Kenya Defence Forces were deployed.

Raila lamented that promises made after the protests, such as compensating families who lost loved ones, were still unfulfilled, and that had sparked another wave of demonstrations now scheduled for June 25.

Source: TUKO.co.ke