Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has told Kenyans to ignore Siaya Governor James Orengo’s comments on the planned June 25, 2026, protests, saying the veteran politician is old and out of touch with current realities.

Speaking on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Ichung’wah said he supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest and remembrance of victims, but warned against calls that could lead to violence, destruction of property, and disruption of daily work.

“Na ni sawa kufanya maandamano na kuomboleza wale tuliopoteza. Na mmeona wiki iliyopita ata serikali ilikiri makosa ambayo ilifanyika, sio kwa serikali hii. Mpaka serikali zilizopita na kusema wale ambao wamepoteza maisha, wale ambao wamepoteza mali, wale ambao wameuimia kwa maandamano wapewe fidia,” Ichung’wah said.

He added that Kenyans should treat the lessons from past protests seriously and avoid repeating violence.

“Sio sababu unaweza lipa maisha ya mwanadamu, lakini kusema pole lakini iwe funzo kwa sisi sote kama Wakenya tusirudi tena kwa siasa ambazo ni za kumalizana na kufanya maafa kwa Wakenya,” he said.

Ichung’wah criticises calls for protest mobilisation

Ichung’wah said he had seen statements from leaders encouraging protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country, which he claimed could lead to destruction.

“Sasa nimeona governor anaambia watu waende wakaote fujo Nairobi. Governor wa Siaya,” he said.

He said he once took part in demonstrations as a university student alongside Orengo but argued that times have changed.

“Mimi nikiwa mwanafunzi university, 25 years ago, nilikuwa nafanya maandamano na James Orengo akiwa kijana kama mimi. Sasa amezeeka ako na miaka sabini na tano bado anaendesha maandamano. Bado anataka watu waende kwa maafa,” he said.

Ichung’wah added that while the Constitution protects the right to protest, it does not allow destruction of property or disruption of other people’s livelihoods.

“Na tumesema haki ya kuandamana ni haki ya kila Mkenya ya kikatiba, lakini hakuna mtu ako na ruhusa ya kuharibu mali ya mtu, ama mali ya serikali ama kukataza Mkenya mwingine ambaye anayetaka kuendeleza na kazi yake aendelee,” he said.

He further described such political calls as dishonest.

“Na mimi nimesema wale watu ni wanafiki,” he said.

Debate grows ahead of June 25 anniversary

The remarks come as Kenya prepares for the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, protests, which began over the Finance Bill and later expanded into wider calls for accountability, justice, and governance reforms.

Human rights groups say more than 50 people died during the protests, while many others were injured or arrested. Families of victims continue to demand justice, compensation, and accountability from the state.

This year’s anniversary is expected to include memorial marches, public gatherings, and prayers in different parts of the country. Organisers say they will also lay flowers at sites linked to deaths during the protests.

Authorities have warned against violence or disruption during the commemorations, while insisting that peaceful expression will be respected under the law.

Remembrance and public holiday

Siaya Governor James Orengo has taken a different position. He has called for June 25 to be declared a public holiday to honour those who died during the 2024 protests.

Orengo said Kenya should recognise the day in the same way it once observed Kenyatta Day, which marked a major historical moment in the country’s political history.

He said: “We urged, like the mothers did, those who listen to what Mother Kennedy said, she said that the 25th and then the next day the 26th should be a public holiday.”

He questioned why the country honours some historical events but not the deaths of young people during protests.

Orengo also urged Kenyans either to join peaceful demonstrations or stay at home on June 25 in remembrance of the victims.

“I am pleading with the Kenyans to either take part in the demonstrations or mark that day from their homes,” he said.

He added that the country must confront what he called impunity and ensure accountability for deaths linked to protests.

Since last year, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also advocated for June 25 to be recognised as Gen Z Revolution Day, saying the date should honour young Kenyans who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

Kalonzo said the day should be treated as a national moment of reflection, arguing that the youth “stood weaponless against tyranny” and paid the ultimate price for democracy.

He stated: “On June 25th, Kenya will pause to honour our fallen heroes — the young patriots who paid the ultimate price for our democracy. This must become Gen Z Revolution Day.”

Kalonzo added that his push is not political, but based on justice and recognition for those who died during the protests, insisting their sacrifice should not be forgotten or reduced to politics.

Compensation plan divides leaders

The debate has also been shaped by the government’s Ksh2 billion compensation programme for victims of protests and related violence.

Orengo has rejected the plan, saying it reduces human life to a financial value and ignores accountability.

He said victims in civil cases often receive higher damages, arguing that compensation without justice is not enough.

President William Ruto has defended the programme, saying it is aimed at national healing and support for victims, not a valuation of life. He has also insisted that accountability measures remain in place.

Human rights institutions, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, have documented more than 1,200 alleged violations linked to protests between 2017 and 2025.

Other leaders have also weighed in. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged Kenyans to avoid protests, saying they disrupt livelihoods and scare away investors.

Opposition figures, including Martha Karua and Orengo, have encouraged public participation in memorial activities and peaceful marches.

The disagreement reflects a wider political divide over how Kenya should remember the 2024 protests – whether as a day of mourning and accountability, or a period that should not disrupt economic activity.