Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has called for peaceful demonstrations and warned police officers against provoking protestors ahead of the much-anticipated first anniversary of the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests that saw hundreds breach the parliament.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, June 24, 2025, Elachi said, “Kenyans should attend tomorrow’s demonstrations peacefully, and the police must not provoke protesters or cause mayhem.”
Elachi cautioned that any provocation from police could fuel further unrest, urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and peace.
Her remarks come on the heels of widespread outrage following the storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024, by demonstrators opposing the controversial Finance Bill, an incident that led to several injuries and deaths.
The chaos has placed increased scrutiny on the conduct of police officers during public unrest.
Cases that have drawn national attention are the death of Albert Ojwang‘ in police custody, the police killings in Mwiki, and that of Boniface Kariuki, a face mask vendor who remains in critical condition after reportedly being shot by police during the protests.
His story has become a flashpoint for public anger and a symbol of longstanding grievances around police brutality in Kenya.
A call for caution
Elachi has voiced concerns that labelling the upcoming June 25, 2025, event as demonstrations could inadvertently escalate tensions, potentially leading to actual protests rather than a peaceful commemoration of the 60 deaths from last year’s Gen Z protests.
She emphasised the importance of framing the event correctly, warning that the term “demonstrations” sets a “wrong tone” that might provoke further unrest. This comes as Kenya prepares to mark the anniversary of the violent clashes that erupted following the controversial Finance Bill, which saw significant police brutality and public outcry.
Balancing reflection and security
The memory of last year’s protests, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, has left a lasting impact, prompting calls for a public inquiry into the police response. Elachi’s caution reflects broader regional anxieties, as East African governments have been reported to suppress youth-led movements, fearing their potential to destabilise the region. The Kenyan government’s hope for a peaceful remembrance contrasts sharply with these underlying tensions.
As the nation approaches the anniversary, the strategic labelling of events remains a critical issue. Elachi’s comments highlight the delicate balance between honoring the memory of those lost and preventing further violence.
With the public still reeling from the aftermath of last year’s protests, her call for careful framing aims to mitigate the risk of misinterpretation and ensure that June 25, 2025, remains a day of reflection rather than renewed conflict. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Kenya can navigate this sensitive period without reigniting the flames of unrest.
As the nation braces for more demonstrations, her message serves as a reminder that the right to peaceful protest must be protected—and that both the public and security agencies have a role in ensuring Kenya does not spiral into deeper unrest.
