Murang’a County Commissioner (CC) Hassan Bule has called on residents planning to participate in Thursday’s demonstrations commemorating young people who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests to remain peaceful and adhere to the law.
Speaking on Wednesday during Policyholders Compensation Fund sensitization forum attended by boda boda riders, Bule assured residents that security agencies are prepared to maintain law and order, warning that authorities will not tolerate acts of vandalism, looting, or destruction of property.
He emphasized that while every Kenyan has a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, the right must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
“The government respects the right of citizens to demonstrate peacefully, but no one has the authority to destroy businesses, vandalize public infrastructure, or steal from other people under the guise of a protest,” said Bule.
The CC noted that both public and private investors have spent significant resources developing businesses and infrastructure within the county and such investments must be protected from criminal elements who often take advantage of demonstrations to cause chaos.
He further assured residents that Thursday will remain a normal working day, urging them to continue with their daily activities without fear.
“People should go about their businesses as usual. Schools, offices, and other institutions will continue operating normally. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace and allow others to carry on with their work,” he remarked.
Bule added that security officers will be deployed across key areas in the county to ensure public safety and protect property during the demonstrations.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, which swept across the country and saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets to oppose the proposed tax measures.
The demonstrations, largely organized by GenZ activists through social media platforms, resulted in deaths, injuries and widespread public debate on governance and accountability.
In Murang’a County, previous demonstrations turned chaotic in some areas, with several businesses and commercial premises vandalized and looted.
Traders suffered losses after shops were broken into and property destroyed by suspected criminals who infiltrated the protests.
Business owners in the county have since expressed concerns over the planned demonstrations, calling on security agencies to ensure their premises are protected.
Authorities have reiterated that anyone found engaging in criminal activities, incitement, theft, or destruction of property during the demonstrations will face the full force of the law.
by Bernard Munyao
