Please! Do not meet peaceful protests with force - Matiang'i tells police

“Use of force by the authorities will only deepen the crisis and push the country down a dangerous and slippery slope,” Matiang'i said.

by JAMES MBAKA

News25 June 2025 - 16:32

In Summary

“My deepest sympathies go out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the last year under these tragic and unfortunate circumstances,” Matiang’i said.
“Regardless of our political affiliations or the divides that exist among us, this is a time to pull together.''

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has issued a passionate appeal to the government and security forces to respect the rights of young protesters taking part in nationwide demonstrations.

Gen Z protesters have taken to the streets to mark the first anniversary of the deadly June 25, 2024, protests.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Matiang’i said the thousands of Gen Z demonstrators who have flooded the streets across Kenya were expressing legitimate grievances.

He said that the concerns are tied to last year’s Finance Bill, punitive taxation, university underfunding, corruption, and poor governance.

He warned the state against responding with force.

“These young active citizens were exercising their protected right to petition the authorities. I fully associate myself with the sentiments they expressed,” Matiang’i stated.

“I urge the government not to harden its heart but to genuinely listen to the citizens’ cry for justice and reform.”

He issued a strong plea to law enforcement officers to exercise restraint and not to turn weapons on fellow citizens.

“Please do not meet peaceful protests with force. It is only through dialogue and a genuine willingness to listen that we will find a path to the peaceful resolution of grievances,” he said.

“Use of force by the authorities will only deepen the crisis and push the country down a dangerous and slippery slope.”

Matiang’i’s remarks come on the backdrop of renewed unrest across major towns in Kenya as Gen Z-led protests commemorate the tragic events of June 25, 2024, when at least 60 protesters were killed in anti-government demonstrations.

“My deepest sympathies go out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the last year under these tragic and unfortunate circumstances,” Matiang’i added.

Calling for unity, reflection, and reform, the former CS said Kenya stands at a defining moment and urged political and generational bridges to be built to heal the country.

“Regardless of our political affiliations or the divides that exist among us, this is a time to pull together. We must come together across party lines and generations, to fix what is broken and build a future that is just, accountable, and inclusive,” he said.