The outspoken lawmaker made the remarks amid growing calls by young people for nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday to protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
He noted that while Article 37 of the Constitution allows for peaceful and unarmed demonstrations, it also protects citizens from harm.
“The planners and financiers of the upcoming Gen Z demos must be held accountable at an individual level in case of loss of lives, destruction of property, or disruption of peace in the country,” said Cherargei.
The senator,
who is allied to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), also warned
Kenyans against marching to State House — the official residence and seat of
power of the President.
“State House is a protected area that is a no-go zone for demonstrations as per the law,” Cherargei warned.
At the same time, he urged the government to crack down on non-governmental organisations allegedly facilitating the protests.
“The NGOs regulatory board must deregister activist organisations that are fanning instability in the country through violent demonstrations,” he said.
Cherargei’s comments came on the same day Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura downplayed reports of the planned June 25 protests, insisting the day would proceed as normal.
Speaking on Monday, June 23, 2025, Mwaura stated that while Kenyans are free to commemorate the day privately, the government will not allow any public demonstrations.
“There will be no demonstrations on June 25. That day will be a normal working day,” Mwaura said.
“Anyone who wishes to mark the day is free to do so — at home.”
Mwaura strongly condemned what he described as the "criminal hijacking" of protests by rogue elements using them as a cover to commit violence and destruction.
He reiterated that the police are mandated to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans and urged law enforcement officers to act impartially and without political bias.
“It is unacceptable for demonstrators to carry weapons, just as it is wrong for them to provoke or mock the police,” he said.
“Should anyone choose to protest, they
must do so peacefully and within the confines of the law.”
