Ruto Calls for Restraint Ahead of June 25 Protest Anniversary as Families Prepare Memorial Marches
Addressing young people directly, President Ruto urged them to demonstrate strong character, particularly during moments of anger, pressure and uncertainty.
President William Ruto. Photo/Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has renewed his appeal for restraint and responsibility among young people ahead of planned nationwide remembrance marches marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Speaking on Sunday during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection Ceremony at State House, Nairobi, the President urged the youth to exercise their constitutional freedoms responsibly as families of victims prepare to commemorate those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
The Head of State acknowledged the freedoms enjoyed by young Kenyans but emphasized that such freedoms must be accompanied by accountability and sound judgment.
“Yours is a free country. You have the freedom to dream, the freedom to speak, and the freedom to become all that you can be. But freedom and responsibility are inseparable; you cannot claim one and reject the other. Freedom without responsibility is not freedom. It is recklessness,” President Ruto said.
The President’s remarks come just days before commemorative marches scheduled for Thursday, June 25, when families and activists are expected to honour victims of the deadly protests that erupted in opposition to the Finance Bill, 2024.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people were killed between June 18 and July 16, 2024, during demonstrations that swept across the country.
Human rights organisations have argued that the actual number of fatalities may have been higher.The President reflected on recent incidents that have resulted in the loss of young lives, saying such tragedies should serve as lessons for the country’s youth.
“Every choice carries a consequence. Some consequences are temporary, others are permanent. They can alter the course of your life, damage your reputation, stain your record, and leave a burden on your conscience that you will carry for years to come,” he said.
Addressing young people directly, President Ruto urged them to demonstrate strong character, particularly during moments of anger, pressure and uncertainty.
“Character is not forged in life’s grand moments alone; it is shaped by the choices you make every day, when you are angry, when no one is watching, when it is easier to follow the crowd, and when your conscience is calling you to stand apart from it,” he said.
The President further challenged young Kenyans to become a generation that contributes positively to the country’s future.”Be the generation that understands that every action matters, every choice counts, and every choice carries consequences. Be the generation that leaves Kenya safer, kinder and stronger than it found it,” he added.
His comments marked the second appeal in less than a week for calm ahead of the anniversary events, which are expected to draw thousands of participants across various parts of the country.
Families of those who died during the 2024 protests have planned remembrance activities and marches to honour their loved ones, with many calling for the victims to be recognised as national heroes.
Organisers have urged the police to provide adequate security during the commemorations.Last week, the National Police Service granted conditional approval for the demonstrations but warned against any actions that could disrupt public order.
The service also raised concerns over calls by some organisers urging Kenyans to remain at home in solidarity with protesters, describing the move as suspicious.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warned that the government would take firm action against individuals who exploit the planned protests to engage in criminal activities.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service and fundraiser for 19 churches in Kapsang, Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, Kindiki said the Constitution protects both demonstrators and citizens who choose not to participate in protests.
“On Thursday, there will be no room for monkey business anywhere in the Republic of Kenya. No one will threaten us from protecting Kenyans who are busy in their businesses, travelling or going about their trade away from the demonstrations,” he said.
The Deputy President maintained that law enforcement agencies would not allow looting, destruction of property or any other unlawful activities under the guise of demonstrations.
He also accused some organisers of relying on misinformation regarding the Finance Bill, 2026, insisting that concerns raised about new taxes had already been addressed through parliamentary processes.
Kindiki reiterated that the version of the Finance Bill passed by Parliament does not introduce additional taxes and that the government has no intention of imposing further financial burdens on citizens.
As the country prepares for Thursday’s anniversary commemorations, attention is now focused on whether the events will remain peaceful amid heightened political tensions and renewed debate over the legacy of the 2024 anti-government protests that reshaped Kenya’s political landscape.
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