Government Responds to Violent Protests That Rocked the Nation on June 25

Kenya woke up on June 25, 2025, to a wave of violence and destruction that spread across multiple regions of the country, disrupting lives and livelihoods and leading to loss of life and property.

In response, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, has issued a strongly worded press statement send to news rooms and social media platforms condemning what he described as “anarchy disguised as protest.”

Unprecedented Violence Across the Country

What was initially announced as a peaceful demonstration quickly morphed into full-blown riots. According to Murkomen, the events of the day were anything but peaceful; they were “terrorism disguised as dissent.”

More than ten Kenyans were confirmed dead, with over 300 others injured, including close to 300 police officers. These numbers are likely to rise as investigations continue. Government infrastructure was specifically targeted: nine police stations were attacked, with five of them torched in areas like Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalou. In total, 28 police vehicles and 27 national and county government vehicles were destroyed. Additionally, 65 civilian vehicles, including a school bus, were burnt at various police station parking lots.

Looting, Arson, and Political Targeting

The Interior Cabinet Secretary detailed how criminals looted and burnt government offices, courts, supermarkets, shops, hotels, electronic stores, and even residences and religious institutions. A Catholic Church in Embu County was among the properties set ablaze.

What raised further alarm for the government was the targeting of homes and businesses of government-aligned leaders, including:

• Kimani Ichung’wah (National Assembly Majority Leader)
• Kimani Kuria (Molo MP)
• Eric Wamumbi (Mathira MP)
• Bernard Muriuki (MP Mbeere South)
• Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East MP), among others.

Murkomen referred to this as “an orchestrated campaign of terror” intended not only to disrupt daily life but to challenge the authority and sovereignty of the government itself.

STATEMENT ON THE CHAOS IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY ON WEDNESDAY, 25TH JUNE 2025 pic.twitter.com/TrdJe0H3Z4

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) June 26, 2025

Government’s Position and Proposed Legal Reforms

In his address, Murkomen clarified that the right to peaceful protest, as provided for in Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, remains protected. However, he emphasized the urgent need to operationalize a legal framework that ensures public demonstrations are orderly, informed, and secure.

He proposed:

• Mandatory disclosure of organizers, routes, dates, and purposes of protests.
• Enhanced coordination with police to prevent violence and protect businesses and non-participants.
• Stronger laws to distinguish between peaceful protesters and criminal elements.

The government believes that the chaos was not spontaneous but premeditated and politically instigated. Murkomen noted that protestors in Kiambu and Thika were heard chanting slogans like “It is time to take over power” and “Occupy State House.”

He termed the events as a “well-orchestrated campaign of political violence” masquerading as civic expression and warned those seeking to exploit democratic freedoms for political or criminal gain that the government would not stand down.

Call for Unity and Dialogue

Despite the stern warning, Murkomen’s statement ended on a conciliatory note. He called for dialogue with all stakeholders—including youth, grassroots voices, civil society, religious groups, and business leaders—to address the systemic challenges facing the country.

“Kenya’s strength lies in our unity,” he stated, adding, “To peaceful citizens, the Government stands with you.”

The events of June 25 are a sobering reminder of the fine line between democratic protest and political instability. While Kenyans have long prided themselves on vibrant civic expression, the violence seen this week has ignited debates over how the country can safeguard freedoms while ensuring national security.

As investigations continue and the government pushes for new legal frameworks, the days ahead will determine whether this is a turning point toward strengthened governance or a trigger for deeper unrest. What remains clear is that Kenya stands at a crossroads—between chaos and cohesion.