Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has appealed to Kenyans to stay away from the planned June 25 demonstrations, warning that frequent protests risk disrupting livelihoods, hurting businesses and scaring away investors.

Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Atwoli called on the National Police Service to deploy adequately across the country to ensure workers, traders and other citizens can carry out their daily activities without disruption.

Atwoli calls for protection of workers

The veteran trade unionist said thousands of Kenyans depend on daily wages and casual jobs to support their families and should not be prevented from accessing their workplaces because of demonstrations.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to Kenyans to stay far away from demonstrations on June 25th, and if possible, let them allow our people who are doing casual jobs in hotels and other places to go to their places of work undisturbed,” Atwoli said.

He urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure adequate security is provided for workers and businesses operating on the day.

“I am also appealing to the Inspector General of Police to come out with full force to protect those people who will be going on with their duties. Workers who will be working on that particular day require protection to go and make a day for their living,” he added.

According to Atwoli, many Kenyans rely on daily income to meet their basic needs and should not be caught up in disruptions associated with demonstrations.

Atwoli questions purpose of planned protests

The COTU boss also questioned the rationale behind the planned protests, arguing that every government requires a Finance Bill and a national budget to fund public services and development programmes.

“If you look at what they are demonstrating for, there is nothing. Any country must have a Finance Bill and a budget. How can you stop a country from having a Finance Bill and a budget to run the business of the country?” he posed.

The planned June 25 demonstrations are expected to coincide with the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests, which triggered nationwide demonstrations and intensified public debate over taxation, governance and accountability.

Several opposition leaders and activists have called for memorial activities to honour those who lost their lives during the 2024 protests, while others have framed the day as an opportunity to continue demanding reforms and government accountability.

Investors are being scared away

Atwoli further warned that persistent demonstrations risk damaging Kenya’s investment climate at a time when the country is seeking to attract both local and foreign investment.

“We are scaring away the investors,” he said.

The trade union leader urged Kenyans to use democratic processes, including elections, to express dissatisfaction with leaders rather than resorting to frequent protests.

“We are having elections next year; if they have anybody they feel like they want to elect, they are free. This is a democratic society. But let us not talk of demonstrations, day in, day out,” he stated.

June 25 protests anniversary

Atwoli’s remarks add to the growing national debate surrounding June 25, with political leaders taking divergent positions on the planned activities.

While some leaders have encouraged Kenyans to turn out in remembrance of victims of the 2024 protests and to advocate for accountability, others have urged the public to maintain normal economic activity and avoid actions that could disrupt businesses, schools and workplaces.

President William Ruto has also recently warned against any attempts to cause chaos, destroy property or disrupt normal activities under the guise of commemorating the anniversary.