NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 24 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans to go about their normal activities on Thursday, insisting that the country remains open for business despite planned demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the deadly 2024 Gen Z protests.
Speaking during a Peace and Security Meeting at Kabusa in Ang’ata Barrikoi, Narok County, Murkomen said June 25 should be treated as a normal working day, even as thousands of Kenyans are expected to take part in memorial marches across the country.
“I also want to say that tomorrow is a working day like any other day across the whole of Kenya. Everyone should go to their respective jobs,” Murkomen said.
His remarks come as the country prepares to commemorate the events of June 25, 2024, when anti-government protests led largely by Gen Z activists culminated in the storming of Parliament and left dozens dead and many others injured.
The Interior CS said the government respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and assured protesters that security officers have been instructed to protect those demonstrating peacefully.
“For those who want to hold peaceful protests peaceful demonstrations the police are ready to provide you with security so that people can conduct their demonstrations peacefully,” he said.
However, Murkomen warned that anyone seeking to use the demonstrations to engage in violence, destruction or criminal activity would face the full force of the law.
“But those who come with stones and weapons, wanting to cause chaos in Kenya, legal action will be taken against them,” he added.
Murkomen said the National Police Service has been fully briefed to ensure peace and security across the country during the planned demonstrations.
“I want to say that anyone who is going to disturb peace, our National Police Service is properly briefed to make sure that our country is safe,” he stated.
The CS emphasized that all Kenyans should continue enjoying their rights without interfering with the rights of others.
“Every Kenyan must continue enjoying their right, our children go to school, and everything should be done without disrupting one another in our nation,” he said.
Organisers have described tomorrow’s events as memorial marches aimed at honouring those who lost their lives during the demonstrations, while human rights groups have called for peaceful observance and accountability for victims.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that while peaceful protests are protected under the Constitution, law enforcement agencies will act firmly against any attempts to disrupt public order.