President William Ruto has assured the National Police Service (NPS) of his full support as they defend the country against anyone who threatens the security of the country ahead of today’s protests, stating that everyone is mandated to respect the police. 

Speaking on June 24, 2025, during a breakfast hosted at State House to honour FKF Premier League champions, Ruto said Kenya has sufficient infrastructure to ensure police officers are supported as they secure the country. 

“To the IG (Inspector General) and his team, you have my full support (100 per cent) to secure this nation for all of us, every citizen, nobody is above the law. You cannot intimidate the police, you cannot use force against the police, insult or threaten them,” he said. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also issued a stern warning against planned Gen Z-led protests, accusing unnamed political actors of inciting chaos under the guise of constitutional rights and defended the conduct of the NPS. 

Murkomen highlighted how the police force is operating under intense political and constitutional constraints, yet remaining steadfast in upholding law and order. 

Tough conditions 

“Let me tell you, this is one of the most professional police services on the continent. Kenya has the most difficult political environment to operate in as a police officer,” said Murkomen. 

The CS said the officers are caught in a delicate balance constrained by legal boundaries while simultaneously facing aggressive political opposition. 

“In these circumstances, police officers must choose whether to side with their country or allow irresponsible political actors to destroy it,” he said. 

His remarks came just a day ahead of today’s anticipated demos that, among other issues, cite police brutality, poor governance and lack of accountability for previous deaths during protests as key motivators. 

The Interior CS, however, downplayed the legitimacy of the protests, claiming some politicians are behind the unrest for personal gain. 

“You hear people saying they want to come to the streets, mandamano, and so forth. You wonder what the exact reason is. People are buying machetes and rungus to distribute to young people to cause violence,” he said. 

The CS pointed out last year’s protests, during which demonstrators stormed Parliament buildings, as one of the most unfortunate security scenarios in Kenya. He claimed that such actions would have resulted in arrests and charges in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, contrasting them with Kenya’s alleged leniency. 

“If any person just tweeted or posted a post on any social media to say they will be visiting Buckingham Palace, or they will go to 10 Downing Street, or they will be going to Parliament, nobody will wait for them to come to the street. They will be picked from their own houses and they will be charged,” he stated, while calling on the police to be ruthless in dealing with criminals hiding behind Article 37, which grants citizens the right to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions to public authorities, but are disrupting peace in the country. 

“These men and women of the police don’t deserve, after winning the Premier League, to be in helmets tomorrow, chasing protesters in the streets,” he said, referring to the disciplined forces’ recent sporting victory. 

Murkomen also extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in past protests, saying the ministry was open to dialogue and support. 

“From a human perspective, we are ready to meet those families and see how best to help them move forward. But we ask political scavengers to stay away and let us have that conversation,” he stated. 

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on protestors planning to commemorate the June 25 demonstrations to do so peacefully and avoid a crisis where there is loss of life and property. 

Speaking during a courtesy visit by outgoing Acting US Ambassador Mark Dillard, who also sought to know plans the House had regarding the volatile situation, the Speaker said his expectation was that the protests would be non-violent and peaceful. 

“This talk of a memorial for the last disturbances, if it is peaceful demonstrations it shouldn’t be an issue, on the issues they have raised, Parliament is ready to address them, if it degenerates into violence, it is out of my hands and other agencies will handle that, but I hope it will be okay, “said Wetang’ula. 

Wetang’ula once again reiterated his earlier message that rogue elements within the force should be dealt with without criminalising the entire force. 

Different ambassadors and the high commissioners in Kenya have issued a joint statement addressing the loss of lives during last year’s demonstrations as Kenyans mark one year since the events. 

“June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill. As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and refrain from violence,” the diplomats said in a statement.