Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said Thursday, June 25, 2026, will remain a normal working and school day across the country, despite notifications of planned public demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, June 24, while addressing the balance between constitutional rights and public order.

He added that security agencies had received notification from citizens intending to hold public demonstrations.

“Tomorrow is a normal working and school day. However, the police receive a notification by some citizens who would like to engage in a public demonstration,” read the statement in part.

He further noted that the government respects Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions peacefully and unarmed. He said police are prepared to provide security and guide protesters according to their requests.

The CS said the National Police Service would facilitate lawful demonstrations while maintaining order. He also emphasised that citizens exercising their rights should do so within the law, noting that authorities would intervene where violence or criminal activity occurs. He said coordination with security agencies would be maintained to ensure public safety during the planned events.

Security preparedness

Murkomen’s remarks came as he continued engagements in Narok County, where he had earlier assessed insecurity in Ang’ata Barrikoi, before addressing the planned demonstrations. He reiterated that while peaceful protests would be protected, any attempts to disrupt order would be dealt with according to the law.

He stated: “Wale wanakuja na mawe na silaha wanataka kuleta vurugu kwa Kenya watachukuliwa hatua ya kisheria.” He also said: “I cannot guarantee there will be no goons. I can only guarantee security,” while warning that individuals engaging in violence or looting would face enforcement action.

The CS said investigations were ongoing through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations regarding alleged mobilisation for criminal activity ahead of the demonstrations. He also reiterated that the government does not support or collaborate with unlawful groups, stating that operational enforcement remains the mandate of the National Police Service and the DCI.

June 25 demonstrations

The planned June 25 commemorations mark the second anniversary of the 2024 protests, during which Gen Z-led demonstrators staged nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, leading to casualties and injuries. This year, activists, civil society groups, and youth organisers have planned memorial marches, vigils, and gatherings across the country.

Security agencies have heightened preparedness ahead of the date, with deployments expected in major towns and identified hotspots. Murkomen urged peaceful demonstrators to remain separate from criminal elements, stating that lawful protest must not be associated with violence or destruction of property.

He also urged continuity of essential activities, including schooling and business operations, noting that constitutional rights such as education and lawful livelihoods must also be protected alongside the right to protest.

Authorities have called for cooperation between citizens and law enforcement to ensure that the planned demonstrations proceed peacefully and without disruption to public order.