Kenya 25 June protest: Families lay flowers on barbed wire barricade

Several political leaders, civil society groups, and human rights organisations expressed support for peaceful demonstrations, describing them as part of the right to democratic expression protected under the country’s constitution.

Ruto’s former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, now a bitter rival, urged Gen Z activists to stay away from the streets, citing concerns that the protests could turn violent. Instead, he called on Kenyans to remain at home in a symbolic show of dissent.

Last week, President Ruto announced a fund of nearly $15m (£11m) to compensate nearly 2,000 victims of protest-related human rights abuses between 2017 and 2025 identified by rights groups.

Ruto said the compensation was not a “price for life, pain or loss” and should not be seen as rewarding violence or criminality.

However, human rights organisations have rejected the compensation plan, citing the exclusion of some victims, inadequate pay-outs and a lack of transparency.

President Ruto is facing growing public discontent ahead of the 2027 elections, with critics accusing his government of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.

He rejects those claims, insisting his administration has fulfilled most of its pledges and saying he is ready to defend its record as he seeks re-election.