Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has spoken out strongly against the destruction and violence witnessed during the June 25 protests, asserting that the demonstrations went beyond the bounds of constitutional rights and violated the very principles of peaceful assembly.

In a pointed statement issued on Sunday, June 29, via his official X account, Duale condemned the protests as a breach of both the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

His remarks echo growing concern among government officials who have accused Gen Z, opposition figures, and civil society activists of using protests as a cover for lawlessness and looting.

“What was billed as a peaceful demonstration turned into a day marked by violence, chaos, and wanton destruction,” Duale said. “We saw property vandalized, public buildings attacked, and a general breakdown of order. It was a dark moment for our country.”

The CS took issue with the interpretation of Article 37 of the Constitution, which protects the right to protest, warning that such freedoms must not infringe on the rights and safety of others.

“The Constitution allows for peaceful and unarmed assembly, but this cannot be used as an excuse to loot, destroy property, or commit acts of violence,” he stated. “The rights of other Kenyans must also be respected.”

Duale described the conduct of some demonstrators as criminal, citing disturbing reports of looting, physical violence, and sexual assault.

“No one should exploit the right to demonstrate to harm others, destroy livelihoods, or terrorize communities,” he said. “Hiding behind constitutional freedoms to cause harm is unacceptable.”

He also cautioned against attempts to destabilize the current government through protests, framing such actions as unconstitutional.

“You cannot invoke the right to protest as a means to undermine a legally elected administration,” he warned.

Duale was particularly critical of the events of June 25, arguing they were not in line with the constitutional expectation of peaceful assembly.

“What happened that Wednesday was a clear crossing of the red line. That’s not what Article 37 envisions. Yes, police must operate within the law, but the law must also defend lives and property,” he said.

Calling for immediate legal action, the CS urged authorities to act swiftly in identifying and prosecuting those behind the violence and destruction.

“Those responsible for looting shops, inciting violence, and stealing from hardworking Kenyans must be brought to justice. There can be no tolerance for this kind of conduct,” he declared.

Duale warned political players against misusing protests to advance personal agendas, emphasizing that all Kenyans are bound by the Constitution.