NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 24 — The government has assured Kenyans that security measures are firmly in place ahead of Thursday’s planned Gen Z memorial protests, even as Nairobi police said organizers have not formally notified authorities of the demonstrations as required under the law.

Speaking on Tuesday, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had not received any official notice regarding the June 25 memorial marches expected to take place in the capital and other parts of the country.

“We are not aware of the alleged commemoration that is supposed to take place on June 25,” Mohamud said, while assuring residents that law enforcement agencies remain prepared to maintain peace and protect the public.

The planned demonstrations are intended to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament and left dozens of people dead and many others injured.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to continue with their normal activities, insisting that Thursday remains an ordinary working day despite the anticipated protests.

“Tomorrow is a working day like any other day across the whole of Kenya. Everyone should go to their respective jobs,” Murkomen said during a Peace and Security Meeting at Kabusa in Ang’ata Barrikoi, Narok County.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional freedoms, Murkomen said security agencies had been instructed to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and safeguard participants exercising their rights lawfully.

“For those who want to hold peaceful protests and demonstrations, the police are ready to provide security so that people can conduct their demonstrations peacefully,” he said.

However, the Interior CS warned that authorities would take firm action against individuals seeking to exploit the demonstrations to engage in violence, vandalism, or criminal activities.

“Those who come with stones and weapons, wanting to cause chaos in Kenya, legal action will be taken against them,” he said.

Murkomen added that the National Police Service had been fully briefed to ensure peace and security throughout the country.

“Anyone who is going to disturb peace, our National Police Service is properly briefed to make sure that our country is safe,” he stated.

He further emphasized the need to balance constitutional rights with public order.

“Every Kenyan must continue enjoying their rights. Our children should go to school, and everything should be done without disrupting one another in our nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the public transport sector has moved to calm fears of disruptions, assuring commuters that matatu services will operate normally during the demonstrations.

Matatu Owners Association Chairperson Albert Karakacha called on Public Service Vehicle operators to continue serving passengers as usual, saying the sector remains committed to maintaining stability and supporting economic activity.

“We are calling on all PSV operators to continue operating normally and serving wananchi as usual,” Karakacha said.

The assurance comes amid concerns that the memorial protests, expected to draw thousands of participants in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret, could disrupt transport and business operations.

Karakacha dismissed fears of a transport shutdown, noting that uninterrupted public transport services are essential for workers, students, traders and businesses that depend on daily commuting.

The association also urged both operators and commuters to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies during the demonstrations.

Security agencies have heightened surveillance in key urban centres ahead of the planned marches, while civil society organizations and human rights groups have appealed for restraint from both protesters and law enforcement officers to avoid a repeat of the deadly confrontations witnessed during previous demonstrations.

Organizers have described the June 25 events as memorial marches aimed at honoring victims of last year’s protests and renewing calls for accountability, justice for those killed or injured, and broader governance reforms.

The Gen Z movement emerged as a powerful force in 2024 after nationwide protests against controversial government policies and the Finance Bill triggered unprecedented youth-led demonstrations, reshaping Kenya’s political landscape and fueling ongoing demands for transparency and accountability.