Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly condemned the violent protests that took place on June 25 across several parts of Kenya. He has asked the government to quickly investigate and take legal action against those who were involved in the chaos, especially those who looted and destroyed property.
Duale joined other leaders in criticizing the violence, saying the protests were meant to be peaceful but turned out to be destructive. He described that day as a “dark one” for the country and said many serious crimes were committed.
“The people who caused trouble, looted shops, stole from hardworking Kenyans, and damaged buildings—both public and private—must be punished,” Duale said. “They crossed the line.”
In Nairobi’s city centre and other counties, many shops were broken into and government buildings were attacked. Some police stations were even set on fire, and weapons were stolen.
Duale said that such acts cannot be justified, even if they happen during protests. “You cannot claim you are protesting while at the same time stealing, destroying, or hurting others,” he said. “This is not what the Constitution allows.”
His remarks come at a time when many Kenyans are discussing how protests should be done lawfully. The role of the police has also come under the spotlight after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said officers should use their guns to protect themselves if threatened.
Murkomen explained that being too soft on criminals has made the situation worse. He said, “Some are arrested, released on small bail, and return to attack police. This must stop.”
However, Murkomen later tried to clarify his statement, saying his words had been misunderstood.
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