Kitui Residents Urged to Mark Gen Z Second Anniversary Peacefully

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The appeal comes as Kenyans across the country prepare for demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the June 2024 anti-government protests, during which several young people lost their lives in clashes with police. The commemorations are expected to honour those who died and were injured during the protests that shook the nation in the past two years.

Speaking in Kitui Town, Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui cautioned residents and visitors against engaging in unlawful activities under the guise of exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate. His remarks follow the arrest of several individuals accused of destroying public infrastructure and private property during recent protests over rising fuel prices. According to the commissioner, some of those arrested were believed to have infiltrated the demonstrations with the intention of causing chaos and engaging in criminal activities.

Mr Mbui stressed that while the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, anyone planning to participate in the June 25 commemorations must do so within the confines of the law. “Anything that will be happening on June 25 will be handled lawfully by security officers to ensure that we do not witness a repeat of the unfortunate events experienced on May 18 this year,” he said.

He noted that security agencies have heightened surveillance across the county and will closely monitor all major roads and other public spaces. “On May 18, we did not expect demonstrations in Kitui. However, by 9 a.m., groups of protesters, some of whom were not residents of Kitui County, had taken to the streets and destroyed property. The police allowed them to exercise their constitutional rights until some individuals turned to vandalism and theft, forcing law enforcement officers to intervene,” Mr Mbui added.

The county commissioner further reminded organisers that the law requires those intending to hold demonstrations to notify the police in advance. Such notification, he said, enables security agencies to provide protection and ensure public order during the events. “So far, no individual or group has submitted a formal notification regarding the planned June 25 commemorations. Nevertheless, security officers are fully prepared to respond to any situation and ensure that residents, businesses and public property remain protected,” he said.

Mr Mbui reiterated that Kenyans have a legitimate right to remember those who lost their lives during last year's protests, but urged participants to do so responsibly and peacefully. “If anyone wishes to commemorate the day, they are free to do so. However, this is not a fight or a war against the police. It should be a peaceful exercise. As long as people remain law-abiding, they will have no problem with law enforcement officers,” he said.

Security agencies have assured residents that adequate measures have been put in place to maintain peace and order throughout the county as the nation marks the anniversary of one of the most significant protest movements in Kenya's recent history.