NAIROBI, June 22, 2026 — The government has firmly dismissed calls to declare June 25 a public holiday, insisting the date will remain an ordinary working day despite mounting pressure from opposition leaders and youth activists planning nationwide memorial marches.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura made the declaration on Monday, pushing back against demands that the day be set aside to honour the victims of the deadly 2024 Finance Bill protests, in which the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) estimates more than 60 people lost their lives.
“The government clarifies that the 25th of June is not a public holiday and will remain a working day. Citizens are urged to move forward and work that day constructively to build our economy, leaving unrest behind and uniting in fostering peace and national cohesion,” Mwaura said.
June 25 carries deep significance in Kenya’s recent political memory. Two years ago, a youth-led uprising — widely referred to as the Gen Z protests — reached its peak when demonstrators stormed Parliament buildings in Nairobi, triggering a violent state response that left scores dead and hundreds injured or abducted.
As the second anniversary approaches, opposition leaders including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have called for a national shutdown, demanding that Kenyans stay home, light candles, and hold vigils for the fallen.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has also emerged as a leading voice backing the commemorations, framing them as a pursuit of justice and state accountability for victims of the crackdown.
Mwaura, however, took aim at such political endorsements, accusing politicians of exploiting public grief for personal gain.
“Politicians are hereby warned to desist from exploiting demonstrations to inflame passions by making very wild allegations and declarations for political gains,” he said.
He further noted that protests cost the country dearly. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) estimates peg the economic damage from the 2024 unrest at a minimum of Ksh6 billion — a figure the government believes significantly underestimates the true impact on businesses and ordinary citizens.
President William Ruto has echoed the cautionary tone, warning leaders against inciting fresh unrest over the 2026 Finance Bill, which he is expected to sign into law on June 23. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen separately urged political figures to tone down inflammatory rhetoric ahead of Thursday.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat struck a more conciliatory note, promising that security forces would protect demonstrators — provided they remained within the bounds of the law.
Mwaura acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but stressed it comes with limits.
“While protests are an essential aspect of democracy, some recent demonstrations have been marred by violence and damage to life and property. This is criminal,” he said. “Rights can be limited by law.”
With tensions building and security agencies on high alert, the events of June 25 are shaping up as a defining test of both civil liberties and state authority in Kenya.
