By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 21 June 2026 - A section of Maasai community leaders in Kajiado County has launched a campaign aimed at protecting businesses and property ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 25.
The initiative, dubbed Operation Linda Mali, was unveiled in Kitengela by members of the Maa Unity Agenda, who said it seeks to prevent the destruction, looting and violence that have accompanied some past protests in parts of the county.
Speaking during the launch, Maa Unity Agenda National Chairman Jonathan Ole Pasha said residents and investors remained concerned about the safety of their property, particularly in urban centres such as Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Ngong and Kiserian.
“We are here to amplify the voice of the Maa community on issues surrounding demonstrations that have raised concerns over the destruction of property, especially in Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Ngong and Kiserian,” said Mr Pasha.
He said the initiative is intended to safeguard businesses and investments across Kajiado County while promoting peaceful coexistence among residents.
Mr Pasha alleged that some of the individuals involved in acts of vandalism and looting during previous demonstrations had been brought into the affected towns from outside the area.
While affirming support for the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and picketing, he stressed that the community does not condone violence or the destruction of property.
“We support peaceful demonstrations as guaranteed by the Constitution, but we do not support violence, destruction of businesses or any actions that threaten lives and property,” he said.
He urged the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of residents and investors during the planned protests.
Maa Unity Agenda Kaputiei Chapter Chairman Godfrey Ole Ntapayia said the initiative was informed by experiences from previous demonstrations that left some businesses and property damaged.
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According to Mr Ntapayia, residents and investors have resolved to organize themselves to safeguard their investments and work closely with security agencies to maintain law and order.
“We have witnessed destruction during previous protests, and residents feel compelled to take measures to protect their businesses and property. We are ready to work with security agencies to ensure peace prevails,” he said.
He also appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to engage in violence or criminal activities during demonstrations.
Mr Ntapayia warned that unrest and destruction discourage investment and undermine employment opportunities for local youth.
The launch of Operation Linda Mali comes as opposition groups prepare for demonstrations across the country on 25 June 2026, which organizers have said will be peaceful.
At the national level, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned against attempts to use the protests as a cover for criminal activities.
Mr Murkomen said while Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, picketing and demonstrations, those rights should not be abused to engage in violence, looting or destruction of property.
He warned that anyone found participating in criminal acts during the demonstrations would face legal action.