Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Kenyans planning to participate in demonstrations this week to commemorate victims of past anti-government protests to do so peacefully and responsibly.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Lang’ata in Nairobi on Sunday, June 22, 2026, Murkomen urged demonstrators to respect the rights of other citizens while exercising freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly should be exercised in a manner that does not disrupt the lives of fellow Kenyans or infringe on their rights.
“If you choose to exercise your rights under Article 37 this week, do so peacefully, while respecting the right of children to go to school, the right of people to own and protect their property, and the rights and livelihoods of other citizens,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS also cautioned political leaders against exploiting young people for political purposes, warning that such actions could place lives at risk.
“You are driving other people's children and using them for political gain at the expense of their lives. Please let no one lose their life or property,” he added.
Murkomen further commended religious institutions for their continued efforts in promoting peace, national unity, and moral values among young people.
His remarks come as preparations intensify for demonstrations and memorial activities scheduled for June 25, with various groups planning to commemorate victims of anti-government protests held in 2024 and 2025.
Among the planned activities is a candle-lighting ceremony organized by survivors of police brutality from Mathare, Nairobi, who intend to honour those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
The survivors have also called on the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the compensation process for victims and affected families.
Some victims have expressed concerns that they may be excluded from compensation programmes because their details were not captured during earlier documentation exercises. They have appealed to authorities overseeing the compensation process to ensure all affected individuals are considered.
Speaking on behalf of families who lost loved ones during the protests, Chris Odawa, the father of the late Rex Masai, noted that while compensation may offer support to affected families, it cannot replace the lives that were lost.
The June 25 commemorations are expected to attract significant public attention as families, activists, civil society groups, and political leaders continue to push for justice, accountability, and support for victims of the protests.
During an interview with Phil Director, governance analysts noted that the anniversary has evolved into both a memorial event and a broader conversation about accountability, human rights, and the protection of constitutional freedoms in Kenya.
