Nairobi: The government has assured Kenyans of adequate security measures in place ahead of the planned June 25 demonstrations while urging citizens to uphold peace and avoid actions that could lead to violence and destruction of property. Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura emphasized that the State fully recognizes and respects the constitutional right of citizens to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mwaura highlighted that while peaceful protests are protected by law, violence, destruction of property, and attacks on law enforcement officers remain criminal acts that undermine democracy and national stability. During a press briefing in Nairobi, he noted that police brutality remains unacceptable, but cautioned that attacks against police officers are equally intolerable.
He explained that once an assembly turns violent, security agencies are legally empowered to restore order in accordance with the Constitution and the Penal Code. Dr. Mwaura urged Kenyans to distinguish between peaceful demonstrations and violent acts, warning against the exploitation of constitutional freedoms for political purposes.
Additionally, the spokesperson clarified that June 25 is not a public holiday and will remain a normal working day, calling on citizens, including public servants, to continue with their daily activities and contribute positively to the country’s economic development. He assured Kenyans that adequate security measures have been put in place, encouraging citizens not to fear going to work or carrying on with their usual activities.
Commenting on a fire at Gikomba Market, Dr. Mwaura conveyed the government’s condolences to traders who lost property and livelihoods. He stated that the National Disaster Operations Centre and other government agencies were collaborating with Nairobi County authorities to establish the cause of the fire and provide support for affected traders.
The Spokesperson further announced the government’s commitment to compensating victims of human rights violations and protest-related incidents dating from 2017 to 2026 through a restorative justice programme dubbed Uweano. According to Dr. Mwaura, the programme is guided by Presidential Proclamation No. 1 of 2026, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reparation guidelines, and a Sh2 billion allocation approved by Parliament.
Dr. Mwaura stressed that all personal information submitted by claimants would be handled confidentially in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019. The government also condemned increasing cases of political violence and hooliganism witnessed in different parts of the country, warning that perpetrators, sponsors, and those inciting violence would face the full force of the law.
Addressing concerns over the Affordable Housing Programme, Dr. Mwaura dismissed claims that homeowners could lose their houses following a change in government. He pointed out that ownership of houses acquired under the programme is protected under Article 40 of the Constitution and the Affordable Housing Act, 2024.
On the proposed developments within Nairobi National Park, Dr. Mwaura insisted that the government would strictly adhere to all legal and environmental requirements. He elaborated that the approved project involves relocating the Nairobi Animal Orphanage to a modern facility within the broader park ecosystem without reducing the park’s overall acreage.
The Spokesperson also defended ongoing plans to modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), saying the project is being implemented through a transparent international procurement process and is necessary to address aging infrastructure and increasing passenger demand.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mwaura announced the establishment of the Africa Anti-Corruption Studies and Research Centre in Nairobi under the Association of African Anti-Corruption Authorities (AACA). He outlined that the centre would strengthen research, policy development, capacity building, and regional cooperation in combating corruption, money laundering, cybercrime, and illicit financial flows across the continent.
In the meantime, Dr. Mwaura reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, safeguarding constitutional rights, and promoting national cohesion while ensuring that all citizens exercise their freedoms responsibly.
