Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has appealed to Kenyans planning to participate in demonstrations this week to do so peacefully, urging protesters and political leaders to ensure that no lives are lost. Kipchumba Murkomen urged for peaceful protests on June 25. Speaking on Sunday, June 21, Murkomen explicitly acknowledged that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble, picket, demonstrate, and present petitions under Article 37. He stressed that the government has no intention of stripping citizens of this fundamental right. However, the Interior CS emphasised that the right to protest must be balanced against the constitutional rights of other citizens, including children’s access to education and traders’ ability to secure their livelihoods. “When you are exercising your right to demonstrate, it is not to say that your right is greater than the right of our children to go to school or the right of business people, including mama mbogas, to continue doing their business,” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen also took issue with political leaders who mobilise the youth for street actions while shielding their own families from the chaos. He warned that calling for closures of schools and workplaces sends the wrong message to young people and undermines efforts to instil responsible values. He cautioned against using other people’s children for political gain at the expense of their safety and futures. “If you want to exercise your right to protest, do it peacefully. Respect the rights of others, respect property and respect life. Please, let nobody lose life on Thursday,” Murkomen pleaded. The CS’s remarks follow a statement by President William Ruto, who warned against any form of illegal activity during the June 25 memorial march organised to honour the victims of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests. The president reiterated that while peaceful expression is protected, participants will not be allowed to disrupt economic activities, violate the rights of other Kenyans, or engage in the destruction of property.
