President William Ruto has appealed for peaceful demonstrations ahead of the planned June 25 anniversary protests, urging Kenyans to exercise their constitutional right to assemble responsibly while warning against violence, destruction of property and criminal activity.

The President acknowledged that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to peaceful assembly, picketing and petitioning public authorities. However, he stressed that demonstrations should not be used as a cover for lawlessness or actions that endanger lives, damage businesses or disrupt essential public services.

Ruto said the government would continue to protect constitutional freedoms while ensuring security agencies fulfil their mandate of maintaining public order and safeguarding lives and property during the planned demonstrations.

His remarks come less than a week before Kenyans are expected to commemorate the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z-led protests, one of the most consequential episodes in the country’s recent political history. The demonstrations, which began as opposition to the Finance Bill, 2024, evolved into nationwide protests driven largely by young people demanding greater government accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility.

The movement drew thousands of demonstrators to cities and towns across the country, culminating in protesters breaching Parliament on June 25, 2024, as lawmakers debated the Finance Bill. The unprecedented events triggered a major political crisis, with security agencies responding to the unrest as protests spread across several counties.

Human rights organisations later reported dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries and numerous arrests during the demonstrations. The protests also attracted widespread international attention and prompted renewed debate over policing standards, the use of force during public demonstrations and the protection of constitutional rights.

In the aftermath of the protests, President Ruto declined to sign the Finance Bill into law despite its approval by Parliament, announcing that the legislation would be withdrawn following public opposition. The decision marked one of the most significant policy reversals of his administration and underscored the political impact of the Gen Z-led movement.

As the anniversary approaches, security agencies have intensified preparations for the planned demonstrations, with police expected to be deployed in major urban centres to manage crowds and maintain public order.

Government officials have repeatedly said the role of law enforcement will be to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while preventing criminal activity, vandalism and attacks on public or private property.

The President reiterated that distinction, saying peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution but acts of violence, looting and destruction fall outside the scope of those constitutional guarantees. His comments come amid growing public mobilisation on social media, where activists, civil society organisations and families of victims have been calling for nationwide commemorative events to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s protests.

Beyond commemorating the anniversary, organisers say the planned demonstrations are also intended to renew calls for accountability over the deaths and injuries recorded during the 2024 protests. Human rights organisations have continued to urge independent investigations into allegations of excessive use of force by security officers, while families of victims have called for justice and compensation.

The anniversary is expected to serve both as a memorial for those affected and as a platform for continued public discussion on governance, police accountability, youth participation in public affairs and constitutional freedoms.

The planned protests have also drawn international attention.

Several diplomatic missions, including the United States Embassy in Nairobi, have issued security advisories urging their citizens to avoid areas where demonstrations are expected because of the potential for traffic disruptions and large crowds.

Analysts say the anniversary represents a significant test for both the government and protest organisers. For the government, it will be an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public order. For organisers, it will be a chance to show that public demonstrations can remain peaceful while continuing to amplify calls for accountability and reform.

As June 25 approaches, attention is likely to remain focused on how both state institutions and demonstrators conduct themselves during an anniversary that carries deep political, constitutional and emotional significance for many Kenyans. The events of 2024 reshaped the national conversation on governance and civic participation, and this year’s commemoration is expected to reflect the enduring impact of that movement on Kenya’s political landscape.