The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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While Kenyans across the country marked the first anniversary of the deadly June 25, 2024 protests, President William Ruto was in Kilifi County attending the burial of Mzee Gideon Mung’aro, father to Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
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The funeral drew several high-profile leaders, including ODM leader Raila Odinga, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.
Earlier in the day, President Ruto met with Sultan Ali Allana, special envoy of His Highness Prince Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, at State House, Nairobi.
During the meeting, President Ruto commended the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its significant role in supporting Kenya’s health and education sectors.
He also extended an invitation for the Aga Khan to visit Kenya for the official signing of an agreement recognizing the Ismaili Imamat, during which he will be awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi and other towns, tension ran high as Kenyans staged demonstrations to commemorate last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, which resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread outrage over police brutality.
The capital was heavily secured, with roads leading to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) barricaded early in the morning. Major routes such as Jogoo Road were closed at City Stadium, forcing commuters to walk to town.
Security was beefed up around key government installations, with heavily armed officers and razor wire sealing off all access points to State House and Parliament. The heightened security reflected the government’s fear of repeat incidents from last year when protesters breached security lines near State House.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen arrived at Harambee House before sunrise to oversee security operations. He was joined by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who had issued a stern warning to protesters the day before.
In a Tuesday press briefing, IG Kanja urged demonstrators to steer clear of restricted areas, stating that police would act within the law to protect lives and property.
Flanked by DCI Director Amin Mohamed, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, and Nairobi Police Commander George Seda, Kanja declined to take media questions but underscored the importance of peaceful protests.
Nairobi Police Commander Seda assured residents that security would be provided for all, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful and mindful of others.
“Protests should not disrupt businesses, shops, or hotels. It’s a working day,” Seda emphasized.
Authorities reiterated that any form of violence, vandalism, or lawlessness would be met with a firm response.
This year’s demonstrations, branded “Youth Transparency Day” by organizers, aim to highlight not only fiscal accountability but also long-standing grievances over police abuses, illegal detentions, and state oppression.
Civil society groups are using the anniversary to push for justice for victims, compensation for affected families, and comprehensive reforms within the country’s security agencies.
