Tuonane kesho: Maraga urges govt to respect Kenyans’ right to protest
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 24, 2026Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on the government to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure justice for victims of anti-government protests as Kenyans prepare to mark the second anniversary of the June 25 demonstrations.
In a statement issued on his X handle on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Maraga remembered the young Kenyans who lost their lives during protests against what he described as political tyranny, saying many others were left with life-altering injuries that continue to serve as reminders of the country’s troubled political landscape.
“Tomorrow marks two years since young Kenyans who stood up against political tyranny were killed for it. Many others were maimed. They are living scars of our brutal political system,” Maraga said.
The former Chief Justice has emphasised that the right to peaceful assembly and picketing is protected under the Constitution and urged the government to respect and safeguard those rights during the planned commemorations.
Maraga has further warned against any attempts to interfere with peaceful demonstrations, including the use of hired groups to disrupt protests or intimidate citizens seeking to exercise their democratic freedoms.
“First, the right to peaceful assembly and to picket is constitutional. The government is duty-bound to respect and protect it. It should not unleash goons or interfere,” he stated.
The former chief justice also criticised what he termed as threats by government officials directed at citizens planning to participate in the commemorations, urging leaders to allow Kenyans to remember those who died during the protests without intimidation.
According to Maraga, families of those killed during the 2024 and 2025 demonstrations deserve justice, accountability, and meaningful recognition of their sacrifice.
“Accountability must be followed with appropriate compensation and permanent memorialisation. Cobbling together sham compensation is not justice,” he said.
Maraga further called for an end to enforced disappearances and abductions, which have been a subject of concern among human rights groups and sections of the public in recent years.
“Kenyans must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights, and never again should we witness abductions or forced disappearances. Enough,” he added.
The former chief justice concluded his statement with a rallying call to Kenyans planning to participate in the June 25 commemorations.
“Tuonane kesho!” he concluded.
Govt warns against violence
The remarks come amid heightened anticipation over planned nationwide commemorations and demonstrations marking the anniversary of the protests that left several people dead and dozens injured, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assuring Kenyans that security agencies are fully prepared to maintain law and order during the June 25 anniversary protests, while guaranteeing protection for citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Speaking at Ang’ata Barrikoi in Narok County on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the CS has emphasised that the government recognises and respects the right of citizens to hold peaceful demonstrations, adding that police officers have been instructed to provide security to protesters conducting themselves within the law.
“Kesho ni siku ya kazi kama siku nyingine kwa Kenya mzima. Kila mtu aende kazi yake. Wale ambao wanataka kufanya peaceful protests, polisi wako tayari kuwapatia security watu wafanye maandamano yao ya amani,” Murkomen said.
The CS noted that the National Police Service has been adequately briefed and deployed to ensure public safety across the country.
“I want to say that anyone who is going to disturb peace, our National Police Service is properly briefed to make sure that our country is safe,” Murkomen added.