Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo/SCREENGRABKilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo has called on police to refrain from interfering with planned demonstrations set for Wednesday, June 25.
The protests will be in remembrance of those who lost their lives or were injured during last year’s protests against the now-withdrawn 2024 Finance Bill.
On June 18, 2025, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda assured Kenyans of adequate security during the upcoming June 25 demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 Occupy Parliament protests.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, Seda said police had put in place “enhanced plans” to ensure both demonstrators and the general public remain safe during the commemorative events scheduled across the capital.
“For the 25th, we have got what we call enhanced plans for that,” he said, confirming that authorities had received a formal notification about the planned protests.
“The letter that was delivered to the central police station, we are equally having that copy of their intents.”
Organisers of the protest, which include a coalition of Gen Z activists and the United Opposition led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, said the day will be marked by peaceful rallies and candlelight vigils in memory of Kenyans killed during the Occupy Parliament protests last year.
Speaking on Saturday, June 21, 2025 during the burial of Eng John Thoya, the son of the former Minister Karisa Maitha, Madzayo assured authorities that the upcoming protests—largely organised by Kenya’s Gen Z activists—would remain peaceful and constitutionally protected.
“We are saying we do not want to hear any violence of any form. We do not want to hear people were beaten and killed,” said the senator. “We want to tell IG Kanja our children will be holding peaceful protests on Wednesday. Do not use your officers to harm our children.”
He reminded young protesters to uphold peace throughout the demonstrations.
“Our Constitution allows it as long as it is peaceful. Police will escort you as you demonstrate, we do not want to lose any life.”
The senator’s remarks come just after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula issued a stern warning to protest organisers and participants, cautioning them against any form of violence or civil unrest during the planned demonstrations.
"Anyone who dares to tamper with our peace, let it be known we shall defend it with every ounce of energy we have. Because in our country, peace has no alternative," Wetang'ula said in a public address.
He also accused sections of the political opposition of manipulating young people for partisan gain, warning the youth not to be used as political tools.
"Don't be drawn into political issues that are not yours. Don't hate people you don't even know. They may have done you no wrong," he added. "We must rise above borrowed hatred and focus on building our lives."
The planned June 25 demonstrations mark one year since the height of nationwide protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, which sparked outrage over proposed tax hikes on basic goods and services.
The bill was eventually withdrawn following massive public outcry and youth-led protests mobilized largely through social media under hashtags such as #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament.
Those protests, while largely peaceful, were marred by several incidents of police brutality that left dozens injured and several confirmed dead, according to human rights groups.
