Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has warned individuals planning to use the upcoming second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests to engage in violence, looting, or destruction of property.

Speaking during the funeral of the late Zipporah Kosgey, wife of former Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, in Kipkoror village, Nandi Hills Constituency on June 19, 2026, Murkomen said the government will take firm action against those who misuse protest gatherings for criminal activity.

“Some politicians who failed to find fault with this year’s Finance Bill just want to cause chaos next week. These people are misusing other people’s children, yet neither they nor their children turn up in those demonstrations. They pay others to do it for them,” he noted.

He noted that while Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, it does not protect individuals engaging in crimes such as burning police stations, looting, or destruction of property.

Government stance on protests

Murkomen said those who engage in violence during demonstrations will face the full force of the law, adding that the government will not tolerate attacks on police stations, public infrastructure, or civilians.

He further stated that ongoing government compensation for victims of past protests should not be interpreted as allowing criminal behaviour.

“Those who will burn police stations, loot, destroy government property and attack law-abiding citizens will be met with the full force of the law,” he stated.

The CS emphasised that lawful protests will be protected, but criminal acts disguised as demonstrations will be dealt with firmly under the law.

National response and Gen Z anniversary preparations

President William Ruto, speaking at the National Productivity and Performance Conference at State House, Nairobi, echoed similar concerns, urging Kenyans to maintain normal economic activity during the anniversary period.

He said schools, businesses, workers, and farmers should continue with their daily activities and warned against attempts to disrupt national productivity.

The remarks come as opposition leaders and activists prepare commemorations marking the June 25 anniversary of the 2024 protests, which left at least 67 people dead.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for a march to Parliament Buildings and nationwide vigils, while opposition leaders including Martha Karua, Edwin Sifuna, and Kalonzo Musyoka have backed peaceful remembrance activities and called for compensation for victims’ families.

Security agencies remain on alert as preparations continue, with both government and opposition leaders urging calm and lawful conduct during the planned events.