Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly condemned the violence and destruction witnessed during the June 25 protests, describing them as a direct violation of the Constitution.
In a statement on Sunday, Duale said what was initially planned as a peaceful demonstration turned into a day of chaos, looting, and attacks on public property.
According to the CS, the events of that Wednesday marked a dark chapter, where public buildings were torched, businesses looted, and lives disrupted.
“Yes, the Constitution gives every Kenyan the right to protest. But that right must be exercised peacefully and without infringing on the rights of others,” Duale said.
He warned against hiding behind the right to demonstrate while engaging in criminal acts.
“You cannot claim to exercise your right while looting shops, raping women, and destroying property. That is criminality, not protest,” he added.
Duale said the protests went beyond the protections of Article 37 of the Constitution, which only allows peaceful and unarmed demonstrations.
He added that no one should use such protests as an excuse to undermine a legally established government.
“The red line was crossed,” Duale said. “The relevant authorities must act swiftly and ensure that those who caused violence and destruction face the law.”
The CS called for accountability, noting that no one should be allowed to misuse constitutional rights to advance selfish political interests.
“We are one country under God, governed by the Constitution. Anyone who thinks otherwise must be held accountable,” he said.
Police have arrested six more suspects in Embu County in connection with theft and looting during the June 25 protests. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a Saturday statement, said the suspects were found in possession of stolen goods, including household items and liquor.
Among those arrested are Peter Mugane Kuria, 22, Ian Macharia Wangare, 19, Joseph Musila Mugo, 45, who was found with a stolen washing machine, and Maxwell Wafula Ongae, 28, who had stolen retail goods in his house. Others include Jackson Njagi, 29, with stolen whisky and steel wire, and Brian Mbuvi, 26, who was found at Downtown Guest House with stolen electronics, clothes, and accessories.
All six suspects are in custody and will appear before the Embu Law Courts on Monday, June 30.
In a significant recovery, the DCI also announced the retrieval of an AK-47 rifle stolen from Dagoretti Police Post during the protests. Acting on a tip-off, officers raided a home in Njuki-Kirigu area, where they found the rifle, an empty magazine, and one round of ammunition. The suspect managed to escape, but the operation was conducted in the presence of his mother.
This comes days after 25 suspects were arrested following violent protests in Kikuyu Town, Kiambu County. The demonstrations, held to mark one year since the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests, spiraled into violence. Protesters torched the Kikuyu Law Courts, Sub-County offices, and destroyed government vehicles and property.
The arrested suspects were arraigned at the Ruiru Law Courts, where detectives secured a 14-day custodial order to continue investigations. Police also recovered stolen items, including steel windows, a door, and a water tank abandoned in the Kabete and Mai-ii-hii areas.
Authorities have confirmed that over 700 people have been arrested across the country in connection with the unrest, and more arrests are expected. So far, more than 15 people have died as a result of the protests.
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