Kenya recently witnessed a fresh wave of protests on June 25, 2025, which were primarily organized to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the deadly demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024. These renewed protests, largely driven by the youth, have once again brought the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under intense scrutiny following the arrest of three human rights activists. The DCI alleged that these individuals were masterminds who orchestrated the infiltration of goons into the protests, inciting violence, theft, and destruction of property. They claimed the activists used coordinated channels and social media to propagate a narrative that undermined national stability and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, leading to their arrest off a Mombasa-bound bus near Konza City, based on forensic investigations and citizen testimonies. The activists are expected to face charges including malicious damage to property, arson, stealing, and incitement to violence.

However, human rights groups, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), have vehemently debunked the DCI's report, labeling it untrue and a "blatant act of criminalizing dissent." The KHRC stated that the arrests were based on trumped-up charges and demanded the unconditional release of the activists, emphasizing their regional recognition as human rights defenders known for integrating music and art into movement building and consistent solidarity with the oppressed. The Ukweli Party, to which the arrested individuals belong, also demanded their immediate release, with one of the detainees serving as the party's secretary-general. The party further accused President William Ruto of funding the goons deployed to the protests, highlighting a contentious blame game between the state and those protesting.

President William Ruto's first term has been marked by significant civil unrest, a departure from previous protests that were often centered around political personalities. His tenure has seen citizens, particularly the youth, organically mobilize around critical issues such as the soaring cost of living, demands for electoral reforms, rampant corruption, and the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Notable protests have also addressed femicide and gender-based violence, abductions, enforced disappearances, and police brutality. The June 2024 protests, driven by Gen Z, were a defining moment, leading to a deadly confrontation with security agencies and ultimately the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. The June 25, 2025 commemoration, regrettably, turned violent once again, with reports of casualties, injuries, and widespread property destruction.

The government's response to these protests has been met with widespread condemnation. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen sensationally claimed the June 25 demos were a failed coup attempt against President Ruto's government, issuing a chilling instruction to the police to "shoot to kill" suspected 'putschists'. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed this ominous stance, promising that "What happened on Wednesday will never happen again!" and cryptically adding, "And don’t ask what we are going to do." These statements have raised fears of increased abuse of civil liberties and arbitrary rule, potentially pushing Kenya towards an