Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, has dismissed suggestions that June 25 will be declared a public holiday, affirming that the date will remain an ordinary working day despite planned memorial marches for victims of previous protests.
Addressing the issue on Monday, June 22, Mwaura responded to increasing calls for nationwide demonstrations, with several politicians and activists urging Kenyans to participate in peaceful protests.
"We should have a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent actors, ensuring constitutional rights are protected," Mwaura stated.
"Additionally, government clarifies that June 25 is not a public holiday and will remain a working day. Citizens are urged to move forward and work that day constructively to build our economy, leaving unrest behind and unite in fostering peace and national cohesion."
The government spokesperson stressed the need to separate legitimate demonstrations from acts of violence, arguing that constitutional freedoms should not be exploited to advance political agendas.
Mwaura noted that the 2024 Finance Bill protests, which sparked a wave of annual demonstrations, left a lasting impact on the country.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), more than 60 people lost their lives, while widespread destruction of property disproportionately affected ordinary citizens.
He added that estimates by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) placed the economic cost of the protests at about Ksh6 billion, although the government believes the actual losses may have exceeded that figure.
Mwaura also criticised political leaders whom he accused of using demonstrations to heighten tensions and gain political mileage at the expense of the public.
His remarks come amid growing support for the June 25 commemorative marches from leaders such as Governor James Orengo, who has publicly backed the demonstrations marking one year since the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.
Orengo has positioned himself among the leading supporters of the memorial events, maintaining that the demonstrations are intended to push for justice and accountability for those who lost their lives or were affected during the protests.
Separately, President William Ruto has also criticised politicians campaigning against the 2026 Finance Bill through protests, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could drive the country towards disorder and anarchy. The President is expected to assent to the bill on June 23.
Mwaura's statement adds to a series of appeals from senior government officials seeking to ease tensions ahead of June 25. On Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned political leaders against making provocative remarks that could disrupt normal activities during the planned demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat assured the public that police officers would provide security for demonstrators, provided they exercise their right to protest within the limits of the law.
