ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga has warned Kenya’s Gen Z ahead of Wednesday’s planned nationwide protests, urging them to first obtain police clearance before taking to the streets.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony in Mombasa County on Tuesday afternoon, Raila emphasized that while the right to demonstrate is enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution, peaceful protests must be properly coordinated with law enforcement.
“Every Kenyan has the right to picket and demonstrate, but you must first submit a request to the police,” he stated. “This ensures peaceful engagement and keeps the message impactful.”
ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga gestures during a past event
Odinga expressed support for the youth-led demonstrations planned for June 25, which mark one year since last year’s anti-government protests that led to dozens of deaths and the breach of Parliament buildings. However, he criticized the government’s attempts to block the events, calling the move unconstitutional.
“You saw what happened in other countries – from London to New York to Paris – protests are done with prior police notice. It’s about dialogue, not confrontation,” he explained.
The former Prime Minister urged both the police and protest organizers to agree on routes and timelines to avoid unnecessary clashes.
His comments come just hours after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed the planned protests, stating there would be “no demonstrations on June 25” and that any commemorations should be held at home.
Despite this, momentum for the Gen Z-led protests continues to grow on social media, with activists organizing decentralized gatherings in major cities.
As tension builds nationwide, Odinga’s appeal adds a layer of caution and seeks to de-escalate what could become another flashpoint in the country’s heated political landscape.
Whether his counsel will be heeded remains uncertain – but with history still fresh, all eyes will be on how Wednesday unfolds.