Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has called on the government and security forces to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and avoid the use of force.
Thousands of young people took to the streets across the country today Wednesday 25 June, 2025 to mark one year since the tragic anti-finance bill protests, during which several lives were lost. In his statement, Matiang’i said the demonstrations were a legitimate expression of deep public concerns.
“These young active citizens were exercising their protected right to petition the authorities. I fully associate myself with the sentiments they expressed,” Matiang’i said.
He urged the government not to harden its stance but to genuinely listen to the protesters’ calls for justice and reform. He also appealed directly to police officers:
“Please do not turn your weapons on your fellow citizens. Exercise restraint and sobriety. Do not meet peaceful protests with force,” he said.
Matiang’i emphasized that only through dialogue and willingness to listen can the nation find a path to peace and healing. He warned that forceful suppression would only worsen the crisis.
