NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has issued a stern warning against leaders organizing a “total shutdown” on June 25, vowing that the government will not tolerate lawlessness or disruptions to the country’s economy and education system.
Speaking on Friday, June 19, 2026, during the National Productivity and Performance Conference at State House Nairobi, Ruto firmly criticized opposition figures who are pushing for mass action.
The planned demonstrations are meant to mark the anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-tax protests.
The president’s remarks directly counter a declaration by Siaya Governor James Orengo. On Thursday, Orengo—alongside civil society groups—formally notified the police of a march to Parliament to honor those killed in the 2024 demonstrations.
Orengo urged Kenyans to stay home, declaring June 25 an unofficial public holiday with “no work, no school” to send a defiant message to the administration.
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However, President Ruto dismissed the calls for a standstill, characterizing them as attempts to drag the nation backward.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to protest and petition the government, he emphasized that these rights must not infringe upon the freedom of others.
“We will defend the right of everybody because we are a country that believes viciously in order,” Ruto stated.
“The state will protect the rights of children to attend school, farmers to produce food, and businesses to remain open.”
The president assured the public that security agencies would maintain strict order, declaring that the mobilization of people to destroy property or cause mayhem would be blocked.
As tensions build ahead of the June 25 anniversary—which has already prompted a travel advisory from the United States—the government insists that national productivity and the rule of law will be fiercely safeguarded.
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