President William Ruto has issued a stern warning against any form of illegal activity during next week's June 25 memorial march, organized to honor victims of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests. Speaking on Friday during the National Productivity and Performance Awards ceremony in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized that the government will not tolerate violence or destruction of property.
βWe respect the right to peaceful assembly, but we will not allow any illegal activities that threaten public safety or national security,β Ruto said, according to local media reports. The march, planned by youth activists, aims to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the protests that saw dozens killed and hundreds injured in clashes with police.
The 2024 protests, sparked by controversial tax hikes and governance issues, were largely driven by young Kenyans using social media to organize. The government has since implemented some reforms, but tensions remain high. Police have been placed on high alert ahead of the march, with security measures expected to be tight.
Human rights groups have called for restraint from both protesters and authorities, urging dialogue to prevent further bloodshed. The exact number of participants expected is unclear, but organizers anticipate significant turnout, particularly in Nairobi and other major cities.
