The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group have issued a public safety advisory to the National Police Service (NPS) ahead of nationwide memorial processions planned for Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The processions, organised largely by Gen Z activists and citizens, are intended to commemorate those who lost their lives during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. The groups described the events as peaceful acts of remembrance, solidarity, demonstration, picketing and petitioning protected under Article 37 of the Constitution.

In the joint statement, the organisations reminded the NPS that its primary role is to facilitate and protect the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly. They noted that protest notifications are meant to support coordination for public safety and not to seek permission from authorities.

“The Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working Group note the planned nationwide memorial processions scheduled for Thursday, 25 June 2026, organised largely by Gen Z activists and citizens to commemorate those who lost their lives during the June 2024 protests,” read the statement in part.

Facilitating peaceful assembly

The advisory stated that individuals participating in acts of remembrance should not be dispersed, harassed or arrested for exercising their constitutional rights. It also called on police commanders to exercise lawful command responsibility and ensure all officers deployed are clearly identifiable.

The groups said senior officers should be held accountable for violations committed by officers under their command. They further urged the police service to prioritise dialogue and de-escalation in managing crowds during the demonstrations.

The statement cited previous protest responses that allegedly involved excessive use of force, unlawful arrests, attacks on journalists and obstruction of medical assistance. It noted that such incidents had resulted in deaths, injuries and trauma over the past several years.

Guidance on use of force

According to the advisory, any use of force must be lawful, necessary, proportionate and applied only as a last resort. The organisations said the use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas or water cannons against peaceful participants should not occur.

The groups also called for the protection of journalists and media workers covering the demonstrations, saying they should be allowed to report freely without interference. They warned against restrictions on media operations, internet access or live coverage, describing such actions as unlawful limitations on freedom of expression and access to information.

The statement further urged authorities to guarantee safe access for medical personnel, first responders and human rights observers throughout the processions.

Arrests, accountability and emergency support

LSK and the Police Reforms Working Group said any arrests made during the demonstrations must be lawful, targeted and based on individual responsibility. They added that arrested persons should be informed of the reasons for their arrest, granted access to legal counsel and presented before a court within 24 hours.

The advisory also called for any deaths or serious injuries during the demonstrations to be immediately reported to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), with all relevant evidence preserved.

The statement concluded by noting that public order and human rights are not mutually exclusive and urged all parties to uphold fundamental freedoms while preventing violence and further loss of life.

The advisory was jointly signed by the Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of human rights, governance and legal organisations advocating for accountable and rights-based policing.