Orengo faults gov't over interference of June 25 anniversary protests

This comes as the Orengo joined other leaders among them Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua to lay wreaths outside Parliament on Thursday to commemorate the victims of the June 25 anti-government protests but were denied access.

All entry points to Parliament were barricaded by huge barbed wires denying anyone access to the National Assembly as a heavy contingent of police was deployed along main roads linking to the Nairobi Central Business District.

Speaking to the press after their march, Governor Orengo maintained that Kenyans are lawfully allowed to picket but the government has deliberately used police force to cripple the constitutional provision.

He believes that June 25 should be marked as an official mourning day for Kenya to remember all fallen heroes who died agitating for better leadership in 2024 and 2025.

"We wanted to lay the wreaths but it was not possible because Parliament was barricaded. This thing will continue next year and in subsequent years," he said.

"We were told that today would be a normal day but it was not, it cannot be because today is when people were murdered and we were honouring those who were murdered two years ago. I urge Kenyans to continue to demonstrate until 6:30pm today."

The political firebrand further alleged that police authorities are working with hired goons to wreak havoc in the capital, targeting peaceful demonstrators.

"In town there are goons escorted by the police to harass families who are here to mourn. It is now clear an agenda implemented by the government," he claimed.

Businesses and movement of people remained paralysed on Thursday as shops remained closed in anticipation of what was to be a peaceful nationwide protest.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has demanded the immediate removal of road barricades across Nairobi, arguing that the police have defied a court ruling barring them from obstructing public roads without providing prior notice.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has rebutted stating that they were installed "based on intelligence reports" and were erected to prevent people from entering the capital "to cause chaos and disrupt peace".

"We have arrested a number of individuals, and we will provide the exact figures later. The due process of the law will be followed, and those found culpable will be arraigned in court," Kanja added.