By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 24 June 2026 - The Government has vowed to deal decisively with any individuals or groups seeking to exploit planned public demonstrations to cause violence, destruction of property or disruption of businesses, even as it assured Kenyans that Thursday will remain a normal working and school day.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies are on high alert ahead of the demonstrations notified by some citizens, and will provide protection to both peaceful protesters and members of the public going about their lawful activities.
“The Government will deal decisively, and in accordance with the law, with any individuals or groups seeking to exploit legitimate protests to cause chaos, engage in looting, destroy property, disrupt businesses, or commit any other criminal acts,” Murkomen said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.
He reaffirmed that the State respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, citing Article 37, which guarantees every person the right to demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities, provided they are unarmed and peaceful.
Police, he said, had already received notification of the planned demonstrations and would facilitate security arrangements in line with the law.
However, the CS warned that intelligence reports indicated attempts by unnamed political actors to hijack the protests for political ends, allegedly by mobilising “goons, gangs and criminals” to create chaos.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), he said, is already pursuing individuals suspected of sponsoring violent activities, warning that those found culpable will face prosecution.
Murkomen maintained that law enforcement agencies will act firmly but within the law to safeguard public order, businesses, and infrastructure.
He reiterated that schools will remain open and economic activity will proceed normally, urging parents to send children to school and Kenyans to continue with their daily routines.
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“Thursday will be a normal business and school day. Our children are free to go to school and people to go about their businesses,” he said.
At the same time, he urged peaceful demonstrators to distance themselves from any criminal elements, warning that failure to do so could expose them to police action if violence breaks out.
The CS also criticised remarks by some leaders, including from religious circles, whom he accused of making statements that could be interpreted as incitement and false claims that the Government supports criminal gangs.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Government of Kenya does not condone or work with goons,” he said, adding that police had been instructed to act “decisively, without fear or favour” against all criminal actors.
Murkomen called for cooperation with law enforcement agencies and urged all parties to uphold peace, order and constitutional values during the demonstrations.
Government Vows to Deal Decisively with Protest Violence as Thursday Demonstrations Loom
CS Murkomen insists June 25 is a normal working and school day.