As Kenya prepares to commemorate the victims of last year’s youth-led protests on June 25, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Chairperson for Nairobi, Rev. Dr Alphonse Kanga, has issued a stern warning against any form of violence during the planned demonstrations.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday night, June 23, 2025, Kanga emphasised that religious leaders have consistently advocated for the right to peaceful demonstrations, asserting that no one should suffer harm as a result of participating in such events.
“We religious leaders, we have told Kenyans that we have a right to peaceful demonstrations, but nobody should be left crying after the demonstration. If we are telling the community that we should go to demonstrate and nobody should be left crying, and then you sit there to plan how people should be left crying in simple language, it is a sin, and we need to call you out and tell you you are wrong,” he said.
He stated that if the protests are peaceful, even younger pastors should participate, offering prayers and singing alongside the demonstrators, and then return home.
However, he expressed deep concern over any plans to harm the youth involved in these protests, describing such intentions as unfortunate and morally reprehensible.
“If we back off from Gen Z and watch them as they demonstrate, the other day we were saying if it is peaceful demonstrations, even the younger pastors should be there and pray for these people and sing their songs, and then after that they should go back to there homes but when you plan evil to kill our children, it’s unfortunate” he added.
Govt on June 25
Kanga’ s sentiment comes hours after the government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, dismissed calls for a scheduled memorial protest.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio station on Monday, June 23, 2025, he said that it was a normal working day and warned young people not to be misled by political interests.
“There will be no protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. It is a normal working day. Let no one deceive you into engaging in activities that could put your future at risk,” he said.
“Go to work, open your businesses, attend your classes. Let us not be dragged backwards by chaos disguised as activism.”
Mwaura accused unnamed political actors of using social media to incite the youth under the guise of marking an anniversary, warning that such actions could destabilise the country and harm the economy.
“We know politicians are hiding behind hashtags and influencers to push young people into the streets. But where are they when the chaos starts? Where are they when the youth are being arrested or injured?” he posed.
He emphasised that while the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, any attempts to disrupt public order or incite violence will not be tolerated.
“You have a right to protest, yes, but that right must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law. There will be no room for anarchy, looting or blocking roads,” Mwaura stated.
Memorial protest
The planned memorial protests will commemorate the Gen Z who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-government protests.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka called upon citizens to observe the day through various commemorative activities.
“June 25th will be a public holiday – a solemn day to honour our fallen Gen Z heroes. We shall lay flowers along Parliament Road, light candles, and remember them with the dignity they deserve,” Kalonzo stated.
“We urge all Kenyans to honour our children and come with a rose and a candle. Their blood and sacrifice must not go in vain.”
