Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on President William Ruto to take swift and decisive action against those behind Wednesday’s violent demonstrations, which he says, “crossed the red line of the Constitution.”
What began as a planned day of peaceful protests quickly spiralled into widespread chaos, destruction and violence in various parts of the country.
In a statement released on June 29, Duale condemned the events that saw private and public property looted and vandalized.
“It was indeed a dark day as we witnessed cases of violence, looting and destruction of property, including public buildings,” Duale said.
While acknowledging that the right to demonstrate is enshrined in Article 37 of Kenya’s Constitution, Duale stressed that such rights must be exercised within the bounds of law and respect for others.
“One cannot hide behind the right to demonstrate, while taking away the right to property of others by looting, raping our women and destroying property of other Kenyans,” he said.
Duale on June 25 Protests
Duale said that the protests lost all legitimacy the moment they turned violent, accusing organizers of using constitutional freedoms as a cover for illegal acts.
Also Read: Police Blocked from Using Teargas During Protests in These Places
He warned that efforts to undermine a constitutionally established government will not be tolerated.
“The protests on Wednesday certainly crossed the red line and were nothing of what the Constitution envisages under Article 37, which is the right, peaceably and unarmed, to demonstrate,” he said.
He further called on security agencies and the judiciary to bring to justice those responsible for orchestrating and participating in the unrest.
Call for Accountability
According to Duale, accountability is essential to uphold the rule of law and safeguard Kenya’s democratic foundation.
“The relevant authorities must therefore swiftly bring to book anyone who participated in causing chaos and violence, looting of shops and destruction of property,” he urged.
Duale concluded with a firm reminder that the Constitution binds all Kenyans equally and should not be manipulated for political gain.
“We are one country under God and governed by our Constitution. Anyone who thinks otherwise must be held accountable and face the law.”
No immediate response was issued from protest organisers by press time. Security forces remain deployed in several areas across the country as investigations continue.
Govt Make Arrests
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a statement following the Gen Z-led memorial protests held on June 25, 2025.
Also Read: 7 People Who Stole Guns During Gen Z Protests Arrested
Murkomen noted that he had visited parts of Nairobi to assess the aftermath, with a particular focus on small-scale traders whose businesses were affected during the unrest.
Expressing his concern, the CS described the violence that erupted during the protests as deeply troubling.
He acknowledged that the demonstrations initially adhered to lawful procedures and began peacefully but were later disrupted by criminal elements.
“What started as a constitutionally protected gathering to express public grievances was unfortunately overtaken by organised groups intent on causing chaos,” he said. “Such acts of lawlessness erode the foundations of our democracy and inflict needless harm on innocent Kenyans.”
On the other hand, seven people have been arrested, and two guns have been recovered in connection with weapons stolen during recent Gen Z protests.
In a statement on June 28, police in Kiambu County said an AK-47 rifle, a riot control rifle, and other police gear were retrieved following a manhunt led by Kikuyu police officers.
According to Kiambu County Police Commander Dorris Kemey, the recovery followed a tip about a suspicious individual carrying a bulging bag at Gravity Bar in the Gahui area. Officers responded quickly and, aided by forensic leads, identified the suspect.
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