By Perez Karisa, June 24, 2026
A heated political debate has emerged ahead of the planned June 25 anniversary demonstrations, with leaders sharply divided over protest safety, allegations of planned infiltration by criminal gangs, and the role of security agencies in maintaining order.
The exchange has highlighted growing tensions between opposition figures and government officials, with both sides accusing each other of politicizing the protests while claiming to defend the rights and safety of young demonstrators.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who also serves as Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has sought to place the debate within the context of previous opposition protests. Arati noted that during earlier demonstrations led by veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, security agencies often intervened forcefully because criminal elements had infiltrated crowds, leading to looting and destruction of property.
According to Arati, there is a clear distinction between peaceful constitutional demonstrations and opportunistic criminal activity. He argued that while citizens have the right to protest, individuals who exploit public gatherings to vandalize businesses and steal should not be shielded under the guise of political expression.
The debate intensified after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua urged Gen Z activists to reconsider participating in the June 25 commemorations. Gachagua claimed that he had received intelligence indicating that violent groups were being mobilized to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations and cause chaos.
He alleged that the objective was to destroy businesses and later blame the unrest on protesters and opposition supporters. Gachagua advised the youth to pursue change through democratic processes and elections, arguing that “retreat is not surrender.”
His remarks have attracted criticism from political leaders, including Governor Arati, who questioned Gachagua’s consistency and accused him of adopting a different position from the one he held while serving in government.
Government leaders have strongly rejected the allegations of state-sponsored violence. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have maintained that the government fully respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but will not tolerate criminal activity disguised as protest.
Kindiki said security agencies have a responsibility to protect lives, businesses, and critical infrastructure, emphasizing that criminals would not be allowed to use memorial gatherings as cover for looting and destruction.
Government allies have also pointed to what they describe as a political shift by Gachagua, noting that during his tenure in government he often condemned opposition-led protests and supported strong action against violent demonstrations.
The competing narratives have exposed a broader blame game surrounding the upcoming protests. Opposition leaders have expressed fears that peaceful gatherings could be infiltrated and manipulated to discredit demonstrators, while government officials insist their security preparations are intended solely to prevent a repeat of the violence and looting witnessed during previous episodes of unrest.
As the June 25 anniversary approaches, religious leaders, civil society groups, and business organizations have continued to call for restraint, urging both protesters and security agencies to uphold peace while respecting constitutional freedoms.
