The government has dismissed calls to declare June 25 a public holiday, confirming it will remain a normal working day despite a planned march to commemorate victims of past protests.
Speaking on Monday, June 22, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura responded to the rising demand for demonstrations, as politicians and activists urged Kenyans to take to the streets for peaceful protests.
“We should have a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent actors, ensuring constitutional rights are protected,” Mwaura said.
He added that June 25 will not become a public holiday and will continue as a working day, urging citizens to proceed with their normal routines and work that day to support the economy.
“Effectively wish to clarify that June 25 is not a public holiday and will remain a working day. Citizens are urged to move forward and work that day to build our economy.”
Mwaura drew a clear distinction between lawful, peaceful protest and violent disruptions, saying constitutional rights should not be used as tools for political gain.
He pointed to the Finance Bill 2024 protests, which he described as a defining example of the country’s recurring protest cycle. Mwaura said the demonstrations left deep losses, including more than 60 deaths, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and widespread destruction of property. He added that the resulting costs have hit ordinary Kenyans hardest.
Mwaura said the Kenya Revenue Authority estimated the protests cost the country at least Ksh6 billion, and he noted that the government expects the real figure to be significantly higher than that conservative estimate.
He also warned politicians to stop using demonstrations to inflame tensions and score points, arguing that the public should not bear the price.
Ruto, Murkomen, ODM Issue Fresh Warnings
The government spokesperson adds to a growing chorus of state leaders urging calm ahead of June 25. On Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also warned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric that could disrupt normal activities on Thursday.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joined the call, urging supporters to ignore calls for people to hit the streets on Thursday for the June 25 memorial protests. ODM leaders said the party backs the broad-based government and wants efforts to compensate victims of earlier protests to continue, rather than people staging new demonstrations.
President William Ruto also called on Kenya’s youth to maintain peace and take responsibility for the country’s future. He said young people must protect the democratic gains Kenya has made and safeguard the freedom they enjoy, rather than undermine it.
Speaking at the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House in Nairobi on Sunday, Ruto urged youth to pursue their rights through lawful means and to reject violence.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat similarly said police would protect demonstrators, provided they exercised their democratic right within the confines of the law.
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