The Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP–K) party leader, Eugene Wamalwa, has defended the right of Gen Z protesters to peacefully march to State House during the upcoming June 25 demonstrations.
Wamalwa asserted that the property belongs to the people of Kenya, not to President William Ruto.
Speaking during the official launch of the People’s Restorative Justice Commission at Ufungamano House on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Wamalwa said Kenyans have a constitutional right to picket peacefully, including outside any government premises.
“If citizens in the United States can demonstrate peacefully outside the White House, why should it be any different in Kenya?” Wamalwa posed. “The State House is not Ruto’s personal property.
“It belongs to the people, and if Kenyans choose to lay flowers there in honour of victims, they must not be threatened.”
He urged protesters to remain peaceful and unarmed, stating clearly: “Do not come armed. This must be a peaceful show of solidarity, nothing else.”
His remarks came in response to comments made earlier by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who criticized the plan by Gen Z to march to State House, saying such an act would never be tolerated in other jurisdictions like the US or the UK.
“It is only in Kenya where someone can threaten to invade State House and walk scot-free,” Murkomen had said during a Tuesday breakfast event at State House.
He referenced how countries like the US and UK swiftly arrest those who post such intentions online.
But Wamalwa dismissed those comparisons as misleading and out of context.
“Murkomen should not threaten Kenyans.”
“This commission is a bold move to restore justice and give voice to victims. You cannot terrorize them into silence,” he said.
He also thanked the international community for issuing clear statements in support of civil rights and peaceful protests.
In a sharp warning, Wamalwa revealed that intelligence reports suggest that individuals have been mobilised to infiltrate Wednesday’s Gen Z protest in Nairobi.
He accused the state of preparing disguised security operatives to confuse the crowd and provoke chaos.
“The people of Kenya are not afraid. We will not let this country be held hostage by fear and threats,” he concluded.
The protest set for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, is expected to honour young Kenyans who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
