The General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Johana Tonui has called on officers to remain vigilant and uphold professionalism as the country prepares to mark the anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations on Thursday.

According to a statement by the Kenya Police Service on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Tonui urged officers to maintain peace, security, law and order in their respective areas of responsibility during the commemoration.

The commandant directed officers to perform their duties within the bounds of the law while safeguarding lives and property.

“General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Johana Kiplangat Tonui today briefed commanders ahead of the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations commemoration, urging officers to remain vigilant in maintaining peace, security and law and order within their areas of responsibility,” NPS statement read.

Professionalism during protest

Tonui directed officers to uphold professionalism, act within the law, protect lives and property, and work collectively in the execution of their mandate.

He also assured commanders of continued support from the leadership of the National Police Service, including the Inspector General, the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and the GSU command.

June 25 protests

The GSU remarks come amid 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.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also argued that participating in the protests could expose young people to unnecessary risks, including injury and death.

“Retreat is not surrender, and strategy is not cowardice,” he said. “There is a constitutional way of dealing with William Ruto next year. We don’t have to go to the streets and expose ourselves to death and injury.”