Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a 15-point statement to all Heads of Diplomatic Missions and international organizations in Kenya regarding the demonstrations and related violence witnessed in several areas on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In the statement issued on Thursday, June 26, Mudavadi said the Government of Kenya deeply regrets the loss of life and the injuries sustained by both members of the public and law enforcement officers during the recent events.
He commended the security forces for their professionalism and restraint in the face of extreme provocation.
The PCS noted that the protests were initially intended to commemorate lives lost during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests but devolved into widespread violence.
He commended the efforts of police officers, stating that their actions prevented further escalation.
Mudavadi acknowledged the expressions of support by members of the diplomatic community for the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.
However, he added that the country “regrets that these events were marred by incidents of violence, some of which targeted members of the public, including women and small business owners.”
“It is evident that, at a certain point, the demonstrations were co-opted by elements pursuing ulterior, self-serving agendas, thereby undermining the legitimacy of the initial cause,” Mudavadi noted.
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According to him, the greatest threat to a nation’s security arises when critical institutions collapse.
He stressed that respecting constitutional institutions and adhering to legal processes are non-negotiable for preserving stability.
The Foreign CS emphasized that violence has no place in the country and that unlawful acts cannot be justified under the guise of protest.
“The violence witnessed, including reported attacks on public road infrastructure, damaging critical public infrastructure under construction such as overpasses, stealing subsidized fertilizer meant to reduce the cost of food, clearly elevates the purported peaceful protests to acts of economic sabotage,” he stated.
Mudavadi clarified that the rights envisaged in Articles 19 and 20 of the Constitution of Kenya are not absolute.
He maintained that Article 19(3) explicitly states that these rights are subject to limitations provided for in the Constitution, while Article 24 outlines the general principles for limiting fundamental rights, including those in the Bill of Rights.
He further noted that Article 33 grants individuals the freedom of expression but clearly restricts this freedom when it involves propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred that amounts to ethnic incitement, vilification, or incitement to cause harm.
“The Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket under Article 37, but this right is explicitly limited to peaceful and unarmed actions,” Mudavadi stated.
“Organizers bear the responsibility to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful. However, it remains unclear who organized these recent events and whether they fulfilled their legal obligations.
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Mudavadi Backs Live Broadcast Ban, Cites National Security
Mudavadi also pointed out that the freedom of the media, guaranteed under Article 34, is likewise subject to legal limitations.
He defended the decision by the Communications Authority of Kenya to halt live broadcasts of the demonstrations, stating that it was necessary to protect national security and public order.
“This action was proportionate and justifiable aimed at preventing further incitement while balancing media interests with public safety. The High Court later ordered the restoration of broadcasting signals, reflecting judicial oversight,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary said.
He added that, given the global geopolitical challenges and ongoing security concerns in the Horn of Africa, Kenya places paramount importance on maintaining national security and stability.
“Should the government be condemned for ensuring security and stability when critical institutions—such as administrative offices and police stations—are being set ablaze in what are termed as peaceful demonstrations?” he posed.
This comes after foreign missions, in a joint statement, cautioned against the deployment of masked police officers and goons against peaceful protestors.
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