NAIROBI, Kenya – As Kenya prepares for nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday, June 25, in memory of those killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, tensions are running high across major cities.
What began in 2024 as peaceful youth-led protests ended in chaos—marked by clashes with police, road blockades, the use of tear gas, multiple arrests, and reported deaths.
Now, Gen Z activists, supported by opposition leaders and civil society groups, are planning to march again—this time as a tribute.
Among the day’s events will be candlelight vigils, protest marches, and renewed demands for justice and police accountability.
With security forces expected to be on high alert, and clashes a possibility, organizations like Article 19, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) have issued crucial safety guidelines for those planning to join the demonstrations.
Staying Safe While Protesting: Key Tips
1. Check Online for Live Updates
Before attending any protest, monitor social media and trusted news outlets for information on police presence, tear gas deployment, or transport disruptions. Knowing what’s happening on the ground can help you avoid danger zones and plan safe exits.
2. Travel Light
Avoid carrying large bags. Stick to essentials: phone, ID, keys, and water. In case of a sudden crowd dispersal or police pushback, bulky items can slow your escape.
3. Digital Security Is Critical
With concerns about phone tapping and surveillance, activists are advised to use encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, and avoid sharing real-time locations unless necessary. If you feel at risk, consider leaving your phone at home or disabling location tracking.
4. Carry a Towel or Old T-Shirt
In the event of tear gas, a damp cloth over your nose and mouth can help minimize breathing difficulties, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
5. Hair Safety Matters
Those with long hair should avoid ponytails, which can be grabbed easily in a confrontation. Tucking your hair in a shirt or wearing a cap can reduce vulnerability.
Know Your Rights as a Protester
According to the ACLU, the right to peaceful assembly is protected, even when your message is unpopular.
You do not need a permit to protest on sidewalks or public spaces as long as traffic isn’t obstructed. Police cannot deny permits based on the protest’s message.
“A permit can’t be denied simply because your message is unpopular,” notes the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
If police ask you to disperse, they must give clear instructions, offer sufficient time to leave, and provide a safe exit route.
What to Do if You’re Stopped by Police
- Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and avoid sudden movements.
- Ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, walk away calmly.
- If arrested, do not resist. Ask why you’re being arrested.
- You have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
- Do not sign anything or speak without your lawyer present.
- Police may not search your belongings unless you’re arrested or they suspect you’re armed.
“Filming police in public spaces is a protected right,” HRC emphasized. Officers cannot delete or access your media without a warrant.
If Your Rights Are Violated
If you experience or witness a violation:
- Record badge numbers, location, time, and names (if possible).
- Speak to witnesses and get their contacts.
- Take photos of injuries or damaged property.
- Submit a complaint to the police’s internal affairs division or an independent oversight body like IPOA.
Looking Ahead: Peaceful Resistance with Purpose
With civil society, opposition leaders, and Gen Z activists calling for a peaceful commemoration, the hope is for a day of nonviolent reflection, not renewed confrontation.
But as organizers remember the more than 60 lives lost during the 2024 protests, rights groups say it’s crucial to prepare for both legal and physical risks.
“The right to protest is a cornerstone of any free society — but staying informed and prepared can be the difference between a safe demonstration and a dangerous one,” ACLU noted.
