Opposition Leaders Submit June 25 Protest Notice to Police
Opposition leaders, civil society activists, and families of victims of the June 25 anti-government protests have formally notified the National Police Service of their plans to hold nationwide memorial demonstrations later this month.
The delegation, led by People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and Siaya Governor James Orengo, delivered a memorandum to the Office of the Inspector General of Police in Nairobi, seeking official clearance and security guarantees for the planned commemorative events.
The leaders and activists used the occasion to remember Kenyans who lost their lives during the June 25, 2024 protests, while calling for accountability over allegations of excessive force used against demonstrators during the unrest.
Upon arriving at the police headquarters, the group sang protest songs and criticized security agencies over their handling of previous demonstrations, accusing officers of using disproportionate force while dispersing protesters.
Speaking on behalf of activists and families of victims, activist Shakira Wakula said police officials had received their memorandum and stamped the notification, which she described as an important step toward ensuring peaceful commemorations across the country.
According to the organizers, June 25 will be observed as a day of remembrance for young Kenyans who lost their lives during last year’s demonstrations. They insist the planned activities will be peaceful and are urging authorities to facilitate rather than frustrate the gatherings.
Wakula also called on police to guarantee the safety of participants and prevent the infiltration of alleged hired goons who, according to activists, have disrupted previous public meetings and civic forums.
She referenced recent incidents where activists claimed public gatherings were interrupted by groups of individuals allegedly sent to disrupt meetings, saying organizers fear similar incidents could occur during the upcoming memorial events.
“We want police to ensure that no goons are allowed to interfere with demonstrations that will take place in Nairobi and across the country,” she said.
The activists further appealed to political leaders, government officials, and security agencies to respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The planned memorial demonstrations are expected to take place in several parts of the country and are likely to reignite debate over police conduct during last year’s protests, which left numerous people dead and injured.
The commemorations come amid renewed calls from human rights organizations and families of victims for justice, accountability, and compensation for those affected during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, healthcare workers employed under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program staged peaceful demonstrations at Nairobi’s Green Park, demanding the government fast-track the implementation of promised employment terms and address concerns regarding their welfare and job security.
As June 25 approaches, attention will now turn to how security agencies handle the planned memorial activities and whether the calls for peaceful demonstrations and enhanced protection for participants will be honored.
