As Kenya marked the first anniversary of the deadly June 25, 2024, protests, President William Ruto was in Kilifi County attending the funeral of Mzee Gideon Mung’aro, father of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro. The president’s presence at the somber event came amid a tense atmosphere nationwide, with demonstrators hitting the streets to commemorate the protests that sparked a national reckoning over police brutality and government accountability.
Earlier in the day, President Ruto held a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, with Sultan Ali Allana, envoy of His Highness Prince Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan. Ruto praised the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its continued contributions to Kenya’s health and education sectors. He extended a formal invitation for the Aga Khan to visit Kenya for the signing of an agreement recognizing the Ismaili Imamat and to receive the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), the country’s highest civilian honor.
Back in Nairobi, the mood was markedly different. Roads into the Central Business District were barricaded, and major routes such as Jogoo Road were blocked at City Stadium, forcing commuters to walk long distances. Heavily armed police officers and razor wire surrounded key government installations, including Parliament and State House, in a clear sign of heightened security.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other top security officials, oversaw operations from Harambee House. IG Kanja had earlier issued a stern warning to protesters, urging them to avoid restricted areas while assuring that officers would act lawfully to maintain peace.
Despite the government’s warnings, youth-led groups marked the day as “Youth Transparency Day,” demanding fiscal transparency, justice for victims of last year’s violence, and comprehensive security sector reforms. Civil society organizations renewed calls for accountability, compensation, and an end to impunity.
While authorities emphasized the right to peaceful assembly, they also vowed to clamp down on violence and vandalism. Businesses, hotels, and shops remained open, but the air was thick with tension as Kenya reflected on the high cost of its democratic journey.
