Kenya’s interior minister calls for restraint ahead of June 25 protest anniversary

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for restraint ahead of planned protests on June 25.

Two years ago, June 25 marked a pivotal escalation in youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024.

Ahead of the 2026 anniversary, Murkomen urged law enforcement officers to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of life.

He also urged protesters to remain peaceful, while vowing firm action against criminals seeking to exploit the demonstrations to commit crimes, including vandalism and theft.

Murkomen noted that while the right to picket is protected under the Constitution, it is not absolute and should not be used as a cover for criminal activity.

He said families of victims of the deadly 2024 protests would be allowed to hold a peaceful procession under police protection.

However, he noted that areas leading to the president’s official residence in the capital would be off limits, and police would be deployed from across the country.

“State House is a protected security installation,” Murkomen said.

Meanwhile, on the eve of the protests, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud termed the demonstrations illegal, saying police had not been notified.

What is the significance of June 25 in Kenya?

The 2024 protests were triggered by proposed tax hikes on essential goods and services in the budget amid a severe cost-of-living crisis, high public debt and widespread youth unemployment.

Widely known as the Gen Z protests, the demonstrations culminated in protesters storming parliament in Nairobi after MPs passed the Bill and setting parts of the building ablaze.

Police responded with lethal force, killing at least 62 people nationwide. President William Ruto withdrew the Bill and dissolved his Cabinet in the aftermath.

On June 25, 2025, protests marking the anniversary and commemorating those killed in 2024 again turned deadly, with at least 25 people killed.