Published: June 26, 2025 | By: Jackline Karissa
Table of Contents:
Government Official Hints at Military Intervention During Protests
The Director General of the National Communications Centre, Charles Owino, has suggested that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) may be deployed if peaceful protests turn violent.
Owino, while addressing the aftermath of the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests, stated that while police are ready to support peaceful demonstrators, they will step back and allow the military to intervene if violence erupts.
“Moving forward, if there are peaceful demonstrations, the police will come out to support them. But if there’s anarchy, the police will withdraw and let the military take over, because it is not the work of the police to face armed people,” he said.
Gen Z Memorial Protests: A Day of Reflection and Violence
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least eight individuals died and over 400 others sustained injuries during Wednesday’s protests.
According to KNCHR, the fatalities—allegedly all caused by gunshot wounds—were reported across Machakos, Makueni, Nakuru, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, and Nyandarua counties.
Additionally, more than 83 people required specialized care due to severe injuries, and the commission raised concerns about excessive force, including the use of live ammunition and rubber bullets by the police.
Allegations of Unlawful Arrests and Human Rights Violations
The commission further reported the arrest of at least 61 individuals, mostly in Nairobi. It noted that some of the detainees had not been booked at any official police station.
KNCHR encouraged members of the public to report any human rights concerns via SMS at 22359, email at complaint@knchr.org, or by calling the toll-free line 0800 720 627.
Calls for Dialogue and Constitutional Protection of Protest Rights
As national tensions rise, calls for dialogue and the need to uphold constitutional freedoms such as the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37 continue to grow. Stakeholders are urging authorities to avoid militarization and instead engage citizens constructively.
