NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 24 — Former Chief Justice David Maraga has warned government officials against intimidating Kenyans planning to participate in the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests, insisting that citizens have a constitutional right to peacefully assemble and commemorate those killed during last year’s anti-government demonstrations.

In a statement issued on the eve of the nationwide memorial marches, Maraga said the government must respect and protect the rights of protesters and refrain from any actions that could undermine the commemoration of victims of the 2024 and 2025 protests.

“Tomorrow marks two years since young Kenyans who stood up against political tyranny were killed for it. Many others were maimed. They are living scars of our brutal political system,” Maraga said.

He emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly and picketing is guaranteed under the Constitution and placed responsibility on the State to facilitate rather than obstruct the demonstrations.

“The government is duty-bound to respect and protect it. It should not unleash goons or interfere,” he stated.

Maraga further cautioned government officials against issuing threats to citizens organizing memorial events, saying the country owed victims and their families justice rather than intimidation.

“Government officials must desist from threatening citizens who are organizing to exercise their rights and remember their departed loved ones,” he said.

The former Chief Justice renewed calls for accountability over the deaths and injuries recorded during the Gen Z protests, arguing that symbolic gestures and limited compensation efforts fall short of justice.

“Kenyans killed in 2024 and 2025 deserve justice. Accountability must be followed with appropriate compensation and permanent memorialization. Cobbling together sham compensation is not justice,” he said.

He also called for an end to alleged abductions and enforced disappearances linked to political dissent.

“Kenyans must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights, and never again should we witness abductions or forced disappearances. Enough,” Maraga declared.

His remarks came as the government moved to reassure the public that security measures were firmly in place ahead of Thursday’s planned memorial marches, which are expected to attract thousands of participants in major towns across the country.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said authorities had not received formal notification from organizers regarding the demonstrations, as required by law.

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

The June 25 memorial events are intended to mark the anniversary of the historic Gen Z-led protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament and triggered a nationwide reckoning over governance, accountability, and police conduct.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to go about their normal activities, stressing that Thursday remains an ordinary working day despite the planned demonstrations.

“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 in Ang’ata Barrikoi, Narok County.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional freedoms, Murkomen said police had been instructed to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and protect 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, he warned that authorities would take firm action against anyone seeking to exploit the protests to engage in violence, vandalism or other criminal acts.

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

The National Police Service, he added, had been fully briefed to ensure peace and security across the country