ODM thanks Kenyans for heeding Oburu's call for peace during June 25th protests

On June 24, 2026, Oburu urged both protesters and police officers to uphold the law, citing that Kenyans have a right to demonstrate peacefully. 

In a statement issued on Friday, ODM lauded Kenyans, particularly its members and supporters, for exercising restraint during the commemorations, saying the peaceful conduct demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law.

"By choosing peace over destruction, and respect for the Constitution and laws of this nation, you have demonstrated that our movement is driven by higher ideals, not chaos. Indeed, this is a commendable response to the call made by our Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga," the statement read.

ODM further commended security agencies, its supporters and the general public for ensuring relative calm during the commemorations, even as it urged law enforcement officers to exercise restraint in future engagements with civilians.

"We urge security officers to continue exercising maximum restraint and refrain from using excessive force against unarmed civilians in any future engagements."

The party reiterated that the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition, as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution, is key but should be exercised responsibly and peacefully.

The party also praised Kisumu County for showing up in large numbers to register as voters ahead of the 2027 polls. 

"Instead of destructive protests, the people of Kisumu made a powerful statement by turning out in large numbers to register to vote in the 2027 General Elections," ODM stated.

The party further called on victims of past human rights violations and their families to submit claims to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, which is currently running a reparations programme. ODM said the initiative presents an opportunity for national healing and restorative justice.

During the 2026 anniversary protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that 355 people were arrested for allegedly attempting to cause chaos.

He, however, lauded Kenyans for maintaining peace across the country, noting that only one person was injured and no fatalities were recorded.