Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged young Kenyans planning to participate in the June 25 memorial protests to stay away from the demonstrations, claiming they could be infiltrated by criminal gangs intent on causing violence.

Addressing a press conference at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday, Gachagua alleged that he had received information indicating that organised groups would be deployed in Nairobi and other parts of the country to disrupt the protests. He claimed the objective would be to provoke violence and create grounds for a security crackdown on demonstrators.

He advised those intending to participate in the protests to remain at home instead of gathering in public spaces, arguing that doing so would reduce the risk of confrontation. He also called on business owners, motorists and parents to exercise caution as the country marks the anniversary of last year’s demonstrations.

The remarks come ahead of nationwide protests planned for June 25 to commemorate those who died during the 2024 anti-government demonstrations. Organisers have said the protests will honour the victims while renewing calls for accountability over the deaths, injuries and alleged human rights violations reported during last year’s unrest.

The demonstrations are expected to take place in Nairobi and several other towns, with organisers maintaining that the events will be peaceful and conducted within the law. Gachagua’s claims were dismissed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who denied that the government intends to deploy criminal gangs during the demonstrations.

Murkomen said public security would be handled solely by the National Police Service and maintained that law enforcement agencies would operate within the Constitution and existing legal framework. He urged Kenyans to remain peaceful and cooperate with security officers during the protests.

The June 25 demonstrations mark two years since the 2024 protests against the Finance Bill escalated into nationwide unrest. The demonstrations culminated in the breach of Parliament buildings, after which security agencies responded with force. Human rights organisations reported dozens of deaths, injuries and arrests, leading to sustained calls for independent investigations and accountability.

The anniversary protests have since become a focal point for youth-led movements seeking justice for those affected by last year’s events. Civil society organisations continue to press for investigations into alleged excessive use of force by security agencies and compensation for victims and their families.

As preparations for the demonstrations continue, authorities have reiterated that security measures will be in place to maintain public order, while organisers have called on participants to conduct themselves peacefully. The planned protests are expected to test both the state’s management of public demonstrations and the country’s commitment to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.