From disaster response at Gikomba Market to the rollout of a Ksh2 Billion compensation fund ahead of June 25th demonstrations, Spokesman Isaac Mwaura outlines the state's plan for economic resilience and national stability.
**NAIROBI, June 22, 2026** —
In a wide-ranging press briefing held today at Harambee Annex, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura addressed critical issues shaping the national conversation, ranging from immediate disaster relief to national security and restorative justice. Top of the agenda were the government’s intervention strategies for the recent Gikomba market fire and the state's stance on the upcoming June 25th demonstrations.
1. Gikomba Fire: Relief Mobilized as State Probes Recurring Blazes
The government has assured traders affected by the latest devastating Gikomba market fire that they will not be left to rebuild alone. Describing the incident as a "major economic setback" for hundreds of hardworking Kenyans, Mwaura emphasized the state's commitment to helping victims recover assets, business premises, and livelihoods accumulated over years of investment.
Immediate Interventions Underway:
Coordinated Relief: The National Disaster Operations Centre is currently working alongside the Nairobi County Government to assess the full scale of the damage.
Safety & Prevention:
The government has urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the cause of the fire, promising a thorough and transparent investigation.
> "A definitive investigation will help determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, establish whether negligence or criminal activity was involved, and inform permanent measures to strengthen fire safety," Mwaura stated.
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2. June 25 Protests:
Normalcy Urged Amid Massive Economic Stakes
As the country approaches the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests, the government reaffirmed that the right to assemble and petition remains firmly protected under **Article 37 of the Constitution**. However, Mwaura issued a stern warning against the infiltration of peaceful gatherings by criminal elements.
The Cost of Unrest
The government revealed that previous demonstrations have dealt a heavy blow to a recovering economy, resulting in staggering losses:
Impact Area | Estimated Cost / Status |
Economic Damage
Over Ksh 6 Billion lost across trade, transport, and investment sectors |
June 25th Calendar Status
Normal Working Day (Not a public holiday)
Claims Approved for Compensation
Over 1,500 claims verified under the Uwiano program |
Mwaura explicitly clarified that June 25th will not be a public holiday, urging Kenyans to go about their normal businesses to prevent further economic disruption.
A Dual Stance on Accountability
While acknowledging that police brutality is unacceptable and must be legally addressed, the Spokesman emphasized that attacks on law enforcement officers are equally unlawful. Once a peaceful gathering crosses into violence, security agencies are legally empowered to intervene to protect the rights of other citizens to move and work freely.
3. Justice and Reconciliation:
Ksh 2 Billion Compensation Rollout
In a significant move toward healing past wounds, the government announced that compensation payments for victims of human rights violations dating back to 2017 will begin shortly under the Uwiano Programme.
Backed by a Ksh 2 Billion parliamentary allocation and guided by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the initiative focuses on restorative justice. More than 1,500 claims have already been verified and approved, covering families of the deceased, survivors of serious injuries, and victims of gender-based violence during past periods of unrest.
As political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 General Election, the government expressed deep concern over rising incidents of political intolerance, hooliganism, and reckless political rhetoric.
Mwaura cautioned political leaders against exploiting public demonstrations for selfish political mileage, warning that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance in identified hotspots. Anyone found inciting violence or organizing politically motivated attacks will face the full force of the law, regardless of their political or social status.
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