The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a firm call for restraint, accountability, and respect for constitutional freedoms ahead of planned demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In a statement released on their official X account on June 24, 2025, the commission urged demonstrators, security agencies, and all stakeholders to uphold human rights and the rule of law during the anticipated protests. The KNCHR, a constitutionally mandated watchdog under Article 59 of the 2010 Constitution and the KNCHR Act (2011), emphasised its role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans.
Rights and responsibilities
Citing past incidents of violence during protests—including the 2024 anti-government demonstrations that left over 50 people dead—the commission warned against actions that could escalate tensions or infringe on the rights of others.
“Demonstrators have the right to demonstrate and a commensurate responsibility to do it peacefully and unarmed,” the commission said, while also affirming the rights of business owners to operate without disruption and the police to perform their duties free from provocation.
The commission’s statement further noted the presence of a “fourth group” observed in previous protests—commonly referred to as “hired goons”—who have operated outside the confines of lawful protest. KNCHR called for heightened vigilance to isolate criminal elements that may infiltrate peaceful assemblies.
Call for police
Addressing law enforcement agencies, KNCHR urged police officers to act with professionalism, impartiality, and full adherence to constitutional principles under Article 244. “The use of force by security officers should be a last resort and must be necessary and proportionate,” the statement reads.
The commission also reminded the National Police Service of a High Court ruling mandating that all officers deployed during protests must be in official uniform and visibly identifiable, including both personnel and vehicles.
“This is essential in ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of law enforcement during such tense moments,” the commission stated, stressing that no officer should operate in plain clothes while managing crowds.
With concerns mounting ahead of the demonstrations—set to coincide with the anniversary of last year’s deadly unrest—the KNCHR affirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely.
“The Commission shall continue to discharge its constitutional duty of monitoring the protection of the rights of all,” it stated, encouraging citizens to report any human rights violations or related concerns through the commission’s official channels.
The human rights body emphasised that peaceful demonstrations are a protected right under the Constitution but warned that such rights must be exercised with responsibility and respect for others, including private and public property.
As Kenya braces for Wednesday’s protests, the KNCHR’s appeal serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between exercising freedoms and maintaining law and order—a test for both citizens and state institutions alike.
