President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, has urged police officers deployed to manage nationwide protests to exercise restraint and uphold peace, commending both demonstrators and law enforcement for their conduct so far.
Speaking on Wednesday as Kenyans took to the streets in remembrance of Gen Z protestors killed during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations on June 25, 2024, Kuria said the current protests were largely peaceful and a sign of a maturing democracy.
“I am largely happy that Gen Z demonstrations across the country are largely peaceful as it should be. I also want to commend the police for exercising restraint so far,” Kuria stated. “I appeal to demonstrators to maintain peace throughout as they exercise their inalienable constitutional right to picket.”
In a message aimed at preventing further violence, Kuria emphasized that not every teargas canister issued to officers needs to be deployed. “I urge the police to keep up with the restraint and remember that not every teargas canister that left the station must be used in the streets. I challenge you to return all canisters to the stations unused,” he added. “Our democracy is coming of age.”
Wednesday’s protests were marked by solemn tributes and calls for justice for young Kenyans who died during last year’s Finance Bill demonstrations. These events reached a climax when protestors stormed Parliament in an unprecedented show of defiance. They overwhelmed security, entered the National Assembly Chambers, and even helped themselves to meals at the MPs’ canteen—actions that led to several tragic deaths among the protestors.
The Gen Z movement has since become a powerful symbol of civic awakening in Kenya, with young people demanding government accountability and economic reforms. Kuria’s message appears to signal a shift towards encouraging more peaceful engagements between citizens and state security.
As the protests continue, the emphasis on nonviolence and mutual respect between demonstrators and police could play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s democratic future.
