Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on Kenyans to protest peacefully and within the law ahead of the planned demonstrations on June 25, while warning against any acts that may lead to clashes with security officers.

Speaking in Mombasa during a public event, the ODM leader reminded the youth-led Gen Z movement that their constitutional right to protest comes with a duty to uphold order and avoid destruction.

His remarks come as the country braces for renewed street demonstrations over the cost of living and failure to implement reform agreements.

“Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions to authorities,” Raila said. “But this does not give anyone the right to engage in lawlessness or destroy public and private property.”

This is the first time Raila has spoken publicly about the upcoming protests.

While he has previously affirmed that protest organisers only need to notify authorities, his latest message placed greater weight on discipline and structure during demonstrations.

“Kenyans who are going to demonstrate tomorrow should follow the law and avoid actions that may put them at loggerheads with law enforcement officers,” he said.

The ODM leader also took the opportunity to defend the broader right of citizens to protest and air their grievances.

He said that ODM will always stand by Kenyans as they push for justice, dignity, and fairness. “ODM is here today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. We have always stood with Kenyans – for justice, for fairness, and dignity,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 Azimio protests, Raila recalled the violence and pain experienced by families, saying the state has done little to provide justice.

“Many of our youth were shot, some killed, and others left with life-altering injuries. We later formed a committee to find lasting solutions. A memorandum of understanding was signed and a report presented to Parliament. It included proposals for compensation to families of victims. To date, none of that has been implemented,” he lamented.

He said the youth have since taken over the fight for accountability and change. “

They told me, ‘Baba, you’ve done enough, it’s our time now.’ I stayed home. But they rose again when the cost of living soared, when the Finance Bill became unbearable. Their call was clear: scrap the Bill, bring down the cost of living, and address their suffering,” he said.

Raila strongly criticised the state’s heavy-handed response to protests, terming it undemocratic.

“Kenya was on fire. But eventually, President Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill. We believe in justice and peaceful resolution. Some agreed, others did not. But we remain firm.”

He compared Kenya’s protest environment with international examples, noting that peaceful demonstrations happen worldwide.

“Peaceful protest is a universal right. Kenyans are no different. If they want to march tomorrow, they have every right to do so, so long as it is peaceful and lawful.”

He further stated that protesting is not a favour from the government, but a legal right.

“All that is required is a formal notice to the authorities. The police are then mandated to provide protection and ensure that no property is destroyed. This is a constitutional right, not a favour,” Raila added.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir supported Raila’s message, saying Kenya needs to reflect honestly on where it is headed.

“It is vital that we state where we were, where we are, and where we intend to go. I have been in ODM even before joining politics. I thank God I became an MP, then governor, and even chaired a major committee in Parliament.”

He urged politicians to put aside political pride and focus on unity. “Let’s put titles aside and put the nation ahead. We believe in coexistence. We believe in equality,” he said.

Abdulswamad also recalled how ODM leaders have been targeted before, including an incident where Raila was tear-gassed. “But Raila never acted alone. We made difficult, collective decisions. We chose to put the country first,” he said.

ODM leaders insisted that the protests planned this week must remain peaceful and lawful, and stressed that the Constitution allows Kenyans to speak out.

They maintained that no citizen should be punished for demanding change, and called for equal treatment of all regardless of political or ethnic identity.