By Mumo Judah, June 22, 2026
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt learning and infringe on the rights of children ahead of the planned June 25 anniversary demonstrations, insisting that constitutional freedoms must be exercised responsibly and without causing harm to others.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Lang’ata in Nairobi on Sunday, Murkomen reaffirmed that Kenyans have a constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully under Article 37, but stressed that the same Constitution also guarantees the right to education, life, property and livelihoods.
He cautioned against calls by some political leaders urging parents to keep children away from school during the demonstrations, saying such actions amount to denying children their fundamental rights.
“If you choose to exercise your rights under Article 37 this week, do so peacefully, while respecting the right of children to go to school, the right of people to own and protect their property, and the rights and livelihoods of other citizens,” said Murkomen.
The Interior CS noted that the Constitution does not elevate one right above another and urged protest organizers to ensure their activities do not interfere with the daily lives of ordinary Kenyans.
“There is also a right for our children to go to school. There is also the right to life and the right to property that the same Constitution provides,” he added.
Murkomen further accused some politicians of exploiting young people for political gain while shielding their own families from the risks associated with demonstrations.
Without naming specific individuals, he criticized leaders who encourage youths to take to the streets while ensuring that their own children remain in safe environments.
He warned that such actions endanger the lives and future of young people, saying leaders have a responsibility to protect rather than expose them to harm.
The June 25 demonstrations are expected to mark the anniversary of the anti-government and anti-Finance Bill protests that rocked the country last year and left dozens dead and many others injured.
Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government recognizes and respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and that security agencies have been directed to facilitate and protect lawful demonstrators.
However, he warned that police would take firm action against criminals and individuals who may seek to infiltrate the protests to engage in violence, looting, destruction of property or attacks on innocent citizens.
He emphasized that preserving peace, safeguarding lives and ensuring uninterrupted learning for school-going children remain key priorities for the government as the country approaches the anniversary demonstrations.
The Interior Ministry has previously urged protest organizers to cooperate with security agencies and ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and within the confines of the law.
