Julius Malema Slams President Ruto Over June 25 Protests

South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema has fiercely criticized Kenyan President William Ruto, accusing his government of unleashing brutal state violence and censoring media during the deadly June 25 protests. 

Through a strongly worded statement issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Malema condemned what he termed “escalating authoritarianism” by the Ruto-led administration. The statement cited police brutality against peaceful demonstrators and censorship of independent media as signs of a government losing legitimacy. 

“Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns in the strongest terms the brutal repression of peaceful protesters, the censorship of independent media, and the escalating authoritarianism of the regime led by President William Ruto, Kenya,” the statement read. 

The protests, sparked by public outrage over the Finance Bill 2025, turned deadly when security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators in major cities across Kenya. Civil society groups and rights defenders say dozens may have been killed or injured. 

Malema, a known Pan-Africanist and vocal defender of youth-led movements, declared full solidarity with Kenyan protesters. 

“This is a generation that refuses to be silenced and refuses to accept a future stolen by corrupt elites,” said Malema. “The EFF, therefore, once again declares its full solidarity with the youth of Kenya as we did last year, in their fight against austerity through the finance bill.” 

He demanded that President Ruto immediately halt acts of repression, hold accountable those responsible for protest-related killings, including those from last year, and allow full media freedom. 

“We call on Ruto to end all acts of state violence and censorship… restore full media freedom and face the people with answers and immediate reforms, not force. The world is watching, and Africa is watching.” 

Malema also slammed Ruto for allegedly directing the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to block live protest coverage, calling it a desperate act to control public narrative and silence dissent. 

“In a further act of desperation, the President directed the CA to ban all live broadcasts of the protest, citing a deliberate misreading of the constitution,” he said, emphasizing that Kenya’s constitution explicitly protects freedom of expression and media independence. 

In response, CA Director General David Mugonyi released a statement on June 26, justifying the crackdown on media coverage. He claimed the live broadcasts violated constitutional provisions and communication laws. 

“The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025, demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” the CA statement read. 

Malema’s sharp rebuke adds to a growing chorus of international concern over Kenya’s handling of the protests. Human rights organizations, diaspora groups, and African politicians are increasingly scrutinizing the Kenyan government’s approach to civil unrest and press freedom. 

As pressure mounts both domestically and abroad, President Ruto faces a critical test in navigating demands for reform without plunging the country further into crisis.