Kitui County Commissioner Mr. Erastus Mbui has assured Kitui residents that security agencies are fully prepared ahead of the planned nationwide Gen-Z commemoration demonstrations scheduled for June 25, warning that any individuals found engaging in violence, destruction of property, or unlawful activities will face the full force of the law.

Speaking to the media at his office in Kitui Town on Tuesday, Mr. Mbui said security agencies had learned valuable lessons from the May 18 protests in Kitui Town over the rising cost of fuel, which he admitted caught authorities by surprise. “The May 18 demonstrations caught us unprepared, but we have since reviewed our security strategies and put in place the necessary measures to ensure peace and order prevail across Kitui County during the June 25 protests,” said Mbui.

The County Commissioner emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and picketing, those rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. “We respect the constitutional right of every Kenyan to express themselves peacefully. However, anyone who takes advantage of the demonstrations to vandalize property, loot businesses, or threaten public safety will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.

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Mr. Mbui further revealed that security agencies in the county had received intelligence reports indicating possible plans to ferry protesters and suspected goons from outside Kitui County to participate in the demonstrations. “We have credible information regarding individuals who may be planning to sponsor or transport groups into Kitui to cause chaos. We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken the necessary measures to prevent any disruption of peace,” he said.

The County Commissioner also issued a stern warning to financiers and organizers allegedly planning to sponsor unlawful activities during the demonstrations. “Those funding criminal activities under the guise of peaceful protests should know that they will be held accountable. We will not allow a few individuals to jeopardize the security and stability that residents of Kitui have worked hard to maintain,” Mbui stated.

He called upon residents and especially the youths to cooperate with security agencies and uphold peace. “We urge our young people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. Let us protect our businesses, public facilities, and the lives of fellow citizens,” he added.

The June 25 Gen-Z commemoration demonstrations have become an annual event since 2024, when widespread protests erupted across the country against the Finance Bill 2024. The demonstrations were marked by the deaths and injuries of several young protesters, sparking nationwide calls for accountability, governance reforms, and greater youth participation in public affairs.

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