Just hours before the planned protests on Wednesday, June 25, the United States, Britain and Germany, among other foreign diplomats, warned against the use of goons and masked police officers, raising concerns about police brutality.
In a statement, signed by 12 foreign envoys and released on Tuesday, they endorsed the upcoming protests, which are being held to commemorate those who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024.
The envoys addressed the recent protests on June 17, which were violently disrupted by armed assailants. Videos captured the attackers—allegedly hired goons—assaulting civilians and demonstrators in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
“We are deeply concerned by the deployment of hired individuals to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful protests. Safeguarding the right to assemble is essential to maintaining civic freedoms and upholding Kenya’s strong democratic traditions,” the statement read in part.
It also stated that the use of plain-clothes officers in unmarked vehicles undermines public confidence and has already been deemed unlawful by the High Court.
The envoys, representing nations including the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden and Denmark, also expressed alarm over the potential for further violence. They reaffirmed Kenyans’ right to peaceful protest, stating: “As citizens prepare to commemorate this occasion, we urge all parties to ensure peaceful demonstrations and to avoid any form of violence.”
The diplomats also renewed their call for prompt, independent and transparent investigations into all cases of violence against protesters. They emphasised that holding perpetrators accountable for past abuses is essential to deliver justice to victims and their families.
The statement comes just days after the US Embassy advised American citizens living in Kenya to exercise caution ahead of the peaceful demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, June 25.
In an advisory dated June 20, the Embassy stated that it had monitored social media posts indicating that the protests were expected to coincide with the anniversary of the deadly protests in June 2024, in which over 61 Kenyans were killed.
Given that recent protests have turned violent, Americans have been advised to avoid the Central Business District (CBD) on the aforementioned date.
Those travelling by vehicle were advised to ensure that the doors are locked and the windows are closed.
“Countrywide marches have been announced in all 47 counties, starting at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 25. In addition, vigils and gatherings are planned for the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on 24 and 25 June,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has questioned the motives behind recent calls for Generation Z-led protests, suggesting that the organisers are inciting chaos without a clear justification.
“You hear people calling for protests and so on, yet when you ask why, their reasons don’t add up,” he remarked during a breakfast meeting with FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC at State House.
“Many of these grievances seem fabricated, as if the real goal is simply to incite disorder and disrupt businesses.”
The CS also defended Kenya’s security forces, praising them as some of the most patriotic citizens in the country, despite the severe economic and logistical constraints they operate under.
He commended their discipline and unwavering commitment to upholding the law, even in the face of relentless provocation and threats of violence.
“Despite economic hardships, limited resources, and immense pressure, they remain steadfast. Our men and women in uniform are the true guardians of peace and stability in this country,” he stated.
Murkomen recalled the incident on 25 June 2024, when protesters stormed Parliament, describing it as one of the most unfortunate security breaches in recent Kenyan history.
He warned that such acts would never be tolerated in countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States.
“In the UK, if someone tweeted that they were going to Buckingham Palace or 10 Downing Street, they would be arrested and charged. In the US, a social media post suggesting an invasion of the White House would result in a visit from the Secret Service,” he explained.
“It is only in Kenya where someone can publicly declare plans to invade Parliament, the Judiciary or State House, and still walk free. And when they are taken to court, they are released and allowed to go home.”
In recent weeks, protests have reignited following the death of the well-known blogger Albert Ojwang at the hands of the police.
Organised largely by Kenya’s digitally savvy and politically active youth, the June 25 protest is being framed as both a memorial and a rallying cry.
Demonstrators and the families of those who lost their loved ones plan to honour the victims of last year’s violence, many of whom were young people shot and killed by the police, and to continue pressing for police accountability, transparency in governance and respect for human rights.
Activists and human rights defenders are increasingly drawing parallels between the authoritarian crackdowns of the past and today's police brutality.
Organisers say the protests will be peaceful. Whether the government responds in kind or repeats last year’s tragic playbook will define not just the day, but Kenya’s trajectory for years to come.
