Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa during a press conference at the Parliament Building on June 18, 2025. PHOTO/ENOS TECHEKimilili MP Didmus Barasa has urged Kenyans to steer clear of the Wednesday-planned protests to commemorate victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Kenyans, led by Generation Z, have vowed to hit the streets on Wednesday for peaceful protests.
According to information on social media, the protesters have planned to hold a peaceful march to the State House.
However, MP Barasa said protesters should not attempt to access protected areas because it may end up being tragic.
The legislator said those who try to access Parliament or the State House by force might end up in a police station, hospital or mortuary.
“You can’t access buildings whose access is controlled. Anywhere there is a barrier, we have a person who watches it, do not be psyched up that they can go inside the State House, Parliament by force because as much as these areas are public properties and Kenyans are allowed to access them, but that has a due process,” he said.
“But if they go against my words, I cannot guarantee their safety because they can find themselves in three different government places; they can end up in a police station, hospital or mortuary.”
The legislator placed the blame on those who lose their lives during protests, saying it can be avoided.
He said the victims of protests leave behind families that suffer their loss.
“Those who lose their lives during protests are not heroes. When you are dead and you leave the world, your things end there. If you had a family, the children would suffer,” he said.
The warning comes as Kenya prepares for the June 25 protests, organised by a coalition of Gen Z activists and the United Opposition led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The rallies will feature peaceful demonstrations and candlelight vigils to honour those killed or injured during the Occupy Parliament protests a year ago.
Police have assured the public of their safety during the events.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda said authorities have put in place “enhanced plans” to protect both protesters and the general public.
“As for the 25th, we have what we call enhanced plans for that,” Seda said at a press briefing on June 18.
“The letter that was delivered to the central police station, we also have a copy of their intent.”
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, however, downplayed the planned protests.
He announced that June 25 would be treated as a normal working day and warned that no public demonstrations would be allowed.
