The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has strongly condemned the government’s actions during nationwide protests that took place in most parts of the country on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

In its official communication to the press on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the party decried what it termed as an assault on fundamental rights and democratic freedoms, following a day marked by violence, censorship, and mourning.

According to the DCP, the government ordered the shutdown of several media houses’ broadcast signals, a move the party described as a direct assault on the constitutional right to freedom of the press and state-sponsored censorship.

The Party said the blackout came amid mass demonstrations organised by citizens, many of them young people, to mark one year since the killing of 60 individuals during similar protests in 2024. Many others from that time remain missing, and the anniversary reignited public demands for justice and accountability.

But rather than allowing peaceful assembly and public expression, the DCP says the government responded with violence.

“Even more disturbing is the use of excessive force by security agencies, including the shooting and killing of unarmed demonstrators with live bullets,” the statement read.

DCP’s Party Secretary General Hezron Obaga said the actions are not just violations of human rights- they are criminal acts that must be accounted for.

Tackle impunity

Obaga said the protests, which were meant to be a peaceful commemoration, turned into scenes of chaos and bloodshed. Demonstrators were reportedly met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and, in some cases, live ammunition.

 “Ordinary Kenyans many of them young people took to the streets peacefully to express their frustrations and commemorate the first anniversary… Instead of listening, the government responded with brutality, bullets, and a media blackout,” he stated.

The party raised a pointed question to the country’s leadership:

“How many more must die before the leadership of this country begins to listen?”

It also issued a call to action, demanding an immediate end to police brutality, the unlawful use of live ammunition on peaceful protestors, and the reinstatement of all media broadcasts.

“Let it be known that no amount of force, censorship, or propaganda will suppress the voice of the people,” the statement warned.

Obaga emphasised that these actions are not just policy missteps but violations of Kenya’s constitution. Article 34, which guarantees freedom of the media, was specifically cited as being undermined by the day’s shutdowns. The party also demanded justice for the families of those who lost their lives at the hands of security forces.

DCP lauded Journalists, protestors and the people most affected by the day’s events, ramping up support even as they navigate through trying times.

“To the brave young Kenyans on the streets, to the journalists silenced for telling the truth, and to the families mourning tonight – we see you, we stand with you, and we will not be silenced,” he said.

Statement by the Democracy For The Citizens Party DCP, on today’s Demonstrations. pic.twitter.com/35YLEjW63M

— DCP PARTY (@DCP_Democracy) June 25, 2025