The June 25, 2024 protests resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, particularly in Nairobi. /FILE
Activist Francis Awino has defended the planned June 25 Gen Z demonstrations, insisting Kenyans are free to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
He said protesters do not need to seek permission from the government to hold peaceful demonstrations.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 23, Awino said organisers of the protests had already notified police of the planned demonstrations in accordance with the law.
He urged police to facilitate peaceful protests rather than frustrate them.
"We are not asking for permission to do what we want to do on June 25. We are only asking the government to follow the Constitution and adhere to Article 37," he said.
Awino specifically cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
He also referenced Section 5 of the Public Order Act, arguing that organisers had fulfilled the legal requirement of notifying police about the planned demonstrations.
"We have already notified them and we have done it again today, so there should be no excuses that the police were not informed," he said.
The activist called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and security agencies to respect constitutional rights and ensure law enforcement officers deployed during the demonstrations act professionally.
He warned against the alleged use of hired goons to disrupt peaceful protests, saying demonstrators were only asking for adequate security and protection from law enforcement officers.
"We want police officers who are sound-minded and who will protect us as we exercise our constitutional rights," he stated.
Addressing security concerns, Awino claimed that some organisers and activists had received threats ahead of the demonstrations, saying many participants feared for their safety.
He urged Kenyans to participate peacefully and seek positive change through constitutional means.
Reflecting on the events of June 25, 2024, Awino said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and reforms, adding that citizens should not remain silent when they believe change is necessary.
He maintained that the demonstrations are intended to advocate for the country's future and called on authorities to guarantee the safety of protesters during the planned protests.
