The government has assured Kenyans that schools, businesses and public institutions will remain open on Thursday despite planned demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said police had received official notifications from groups intending to hold demonstrations, stressing that the government would respect the constitutional right of citizens to assemble and protest peacefully.
“Tomorrow is a normal working and school day. However, police are in receipt of a notification by some citizens who would like to engage in a public demonstration,” Murkomen said in a statement on Wednesday.
The CS maintained that the government has no problem with peaceful protests but warned that security agencies would take firm action against individuals who attempt to take advantage of the demonstrations to engage in criminal activities.
“The Government respects the constitutional rights of all Kenyans to peaceably assemble for whatever reason, on any day, any time,” he said.
Murkomen, however, cautioned that anyone found looting, destroying property or disrupting businesses would face the law.
“Any individuals or groups seeking to exploit legitimate protests to cause chaos, engage in looting, destroy property, disrupt businesses, or commit any other criminal acts will be dealt with decisively, and in accordance with the law,” he added.
The statement comes amid growing anticipation ahead of demonstrations expected in several towns across the country as Kenyans commemorate the June 25 protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Authorities have since heightened security in key urban centres, with the government insisting that peaceful protesters will be protected while criminal elements will not be tolerated.
Murkomen’s remarks are likely to reassure parents, workers and business owners who have been uncertain whether normal activities would proceed amid calls for nationwide demonstrations.
