The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Raila Odinga has broken his silence on the planned June 25, 2025, demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday in remembrance of the momentous Gen Z protests last year.
In a statement on Tuesday, Odinga maintained that Kenyans are free to hold demonstrations and present petitions to authorities.
He, however, pointed out that this should be done in a structured way.
Speaking in Mombasa, Odinga said Kenyans who are going to demonstrate tomorrow should follow the law and avoid actions that may put them at loggerheads with law enforcement officers.”
“He says, article 37 of the constitution guarantees Kenyans their freedom of expression, but this should not give them the right to cause violence and destruction of property,” said the ODM Party in a statement.
Raila Odinga speaks on June 25 protests after foreign missions issue statement
The statement by Odinga comes after the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia and several other foreign missions earlier issued a warning over the deployment of armed gangs and masked police officers during protests, expressing alarm over reports of excessive force by law enforcement.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday and endorsed by 12 foreign envoys, the diplomats voiced support for the upcoming demonstrations, which are set to honour victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Their message also referenced the June 17 protests in Nairobi, which were violently disrupted by armed individuals. Footage from the day showed alleged hired attackers beating civilians and protesters in the city’s Central Business District.
“We are deeply concerned by the deployment of hired individuals to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful protests. Safeguarding the right to assemble is essential to maintaining civic freedoms and upholding Kenya’s strong democratic traditions,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Plan for June 25 Protests Revealed
The statement further noted that deploying plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and contravenes a High Court ruling that declared the practice unlawful.
The envoys from countries including the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark also raised concerns over the risk of escalating violence and reaffirmed the right of Kenyans to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
“As citizens prepare to commemorate this occasion, we urge all parties to ensure peaceful demonstrations and to avoid any form of violence,” the statement adds.
The diplomats further reiterated their call for swift, independent, and transparent investigations into all incidents of violence against protesters.
They stressed that accountability for past abuses is crucial to ensuring justice for victims and their families.
Travel advisory
This comes just days after the US Embassy in Nairobi advised American citizens living in Kenya to exercise caution ahead of the peaceful demonstration scheduled for Wednesday.
Also Read: US & European Embassies Issue Warning to Govt Ahead of Gen Z Protests
The Embassy in an advisory dated June 20 stated that it had monitored social media posts indicating that the protests were expected to coincide with the anniversary of the deadly protests in June 2024, in which over 61 Kenyans were killed.
Americans were advised to avoid the Nairobi Central Business District on the aforementioned date, while those travelling by vehicle were advised to ensure that the doors are locked and the windows are closed.
“Countrywide marches have been announced in all 47 counties, starting at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 25. In addition, vigils and gatherings are planned for the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on 24 and 25 June,” the statement read in part.
Protests have in recent weeks reignited following the death of X influencer and teacher Albert Ojwang at the hands of the police.
Spearheaded by Kenya’s digitally engaged and politically conscious youth, the June 25 protest is being positioned as both a memorial and a renewed call for action.
Demonstrators, alongside families of those killed during last year’s unrest—many of them young people fatally shot by police—intend to honour the victims while demanding police accountability, transparent governance, and greater respect for human rights.
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