Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that there will be no demonstrations on Wednesday, June 25, urging Kenyans to go about their day as usual.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 23, Mwaura noted that those who wish to commemorate the day should do so from their homes and not the streets.
"Today, I provided clarification regarding the security situation and the planned demonstrations set to take place on June 25. I emphasized that there will be no demonstrations on June 25, and that day will proceed as normal. Anyone who wishes to commemorate the day is free to do so from their home,” he said.
Mwaura also condemned acts of violence that have occasionally accompanied past protests, warning against criminal elements taking advantage of such gatherings.
"I strongly condemned the behavior of hooligans who use demonstrations as an opportunity to commit crimes. I reiterated that the primary responsibility of the police is to protect all citizens, and their duty is to ensure security without any political bias," he added.
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Mwaura also addressed concerns over the conduct of both demonstrators and security officers, calling for respect on both sides.
"Additionally, I clarified that it is not appropriate for protesters to be armed, and it is also unacceptable for the police to be mocked by protesters. I urged all individuals to demonstrate peacefully if they choose to do so," he stated.
Elsewhere, the National Police Service (NPS) has cautioned business owners against hiring individuals to guard their premises during protests.
Speaking on Monday, NPS Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said hiring people under the guise of protecting private property is illegal.
"Business owners saying that they are protecting their business should stop. There is no law that gives citizens the right to hire people to protect their businesses.
"Any youth being asked to show up in the protests and protect businesses should know that they are breaching the law to the highest degree," he said.
