The Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, has ruled out June 25 as a public holiday, confirming it will remain a regular working day despite a planned march to commemorate victims of past protests.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking on Monday, June 22, Mwaura addressed growing calls for demonstrations, as politicians and activists rallied Kenyans to take to the streets for peaceful demonstrations.

"We should have a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent actors, ensuring constitutional rights are protected. ," Mwaura said.

"Effectively wish to clarify that June 25 is not a public holiday and will remain a working day. Citizens are urged to move forward and work that day to build our economy."

📌 What You Need to Know

Mwaura drew a firm line between lawful, peaceful protest and violent disruptions, insisting that constitutional rights must not be weaponised for political ends.

The Finance Bill 2024 protests, which marked the hallmark of the yearly successive protests, left a painful mark on the country, claiming more than 60 lives according to the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) and destroying property, losses that have hit ordinary Kenyans the hardest.

According to Mwaura, the Kenya Revenue Authority estimated that the protests cost the country at least Ksh6 billion, with the government noting the actual figure is likely far higher than that conservative projection.

Mwaura called out politicians, warning them to stop using demonstrations as a tool to inflame tensions and score political points at the public's expense.

This sheds a spotlight on Siaya Governor Jame Orengo , who has strongly supported the planned June 25 nationwide demonstrations to mark the one-year anniversary of the historic 2024 Gen Z anti-Finance Bill protests.

He has since emerged as a key leader backing the memorial marches, insisting the events are about seeking justice and accountability for victims.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke