Mudavadi Defends Government’s Handling Of June 25 Protests In Brief To Foreign Envoys

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended the government’s response to the June 25 protests, telling the international community that while the right to demonstrate is constitutionally protected, it must be exercised within the law.

In a diplomatic briefing issued to foreign envoys, Mudavadi said the protests — meant to commemorate victims of the 2024 demonstrations — quickly turned violent, leading to destruction of property and attacks on civilians, businesses, and security facilities.

“To condone such violence as legitimate protests is certainly not in the spirit of Kenyans’ national interest,” he said.

He added that although Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it does not protect incitement to violence, hate speech, or any form of expression that promotes ethnic hatred or harm.

“While Kenyans have the right to assemble and picket, that freedom comes with responsibility,” he told the envoys. “Organizers must ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful — yet it remains unclear who planned these protests or whether they fulfilled their legal duties.”

Mudavadi questioned the legitimacy of the demonstrations, noting that they were hijacked by individuals with self-serving motives that undermined the original cause.

“It is evident that, at a certain point, the demonstrations were co-opted by elements pursuing ulterior, self-serving agendas,” he said.

He challenged those justifying the violence as a form of civic expression, asking: “When individuals attack law enforcement facilities or destroy private property, is that a protest? What was the goal of such actions? These questions demand honest reflection.”

While acknowledging that international partners have called for Kenya to uphold the rights of expression and peaceful assembly, Mudavadi maintained that violence cannot be defended under any circumstance.

He praised the police for their conduct during the unrest, saying their restraint helped prevent further escalation. “We commend our officers for their professionalism and restraint under extreme provocation,” he said.

Mudavadi warned that allowing disorder in the name of protests could weaken constitutional institutions and threaten national security.

“The biggest threat to any nation’s stability is when critical institutions collapse,” he said. “Respect for the Constitution and the rule of law is non-negotiable if we are to preserve peace and unity.”