Dramatic moment briefly overshadowed President William Ruto’s 13th State of the Nation Address on November 20, 2025 as prominent human rights activist Julius Kamau was forcibly removed from the vicinity of Parliament while staging a protest, highlighting ongoing tensions between civil society and the government over freedom of expression.
Kamau, known for his high-profile and unconventional demonstrations, positioned himself near Parliament Buildings ahead of the annual address. Security officers swiftly intervened, lifting him by his trousers and escorting him to a waiting vehicle, before taking him to the Parliament Police Station. Photos and videos circulated online showing the tense scene.
Kamau later told reporters: “I came here not to disrupt the address, but to demand accountability for those taken in darkness. Silence is not peace when mothers are waiting for their children.”
President Ruto’s address, mandated by Article 132(1) of the Constitution, is a major political event where the Head of State reports on government achievements and national priorities. The occasion typically draws lawmakers, dignitaries, and the public, with security tightened to unprecedented levels.
This is not Kamau’s first confrontation with authorities. In May 2025, he disrupted court proceedings seeking justice for victims of protests, and in 2022, he protested the high cost of living outside the Treasury, holding a banner demanding lower food prices. These actions have made him a recognizable figure in Kenya’s civil society space.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned heavy-handed responses to protests in Kenya, citing injuries, deaths, and suppression of dissent. Groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for greater accountability for state actions during demonstrations.
The incident today serves as a clear reminder of the persistent struggle for civil liberties in Kenya. While the nation reflects on President Ruto’s address, Kamau’s protest and subsequent arrest underscore ongoing calls for government accountability, respect for human rights, and the protection of peaceful dissent.
