Anti-riot police in a lorry in Nairobi CBDAnti-riot police blocked major routes leading into Nairobi's Central Business District from dawn on June 25 ahead of planned protests to mark the day.
This was despite earlier assurances that Thursday would remain a normal working and school day amid planned demonstrations.
Police mounted roadblocks on Magadi Road, feeder roads along the Thika Super Highway, Kiambu Road, feeder roads along Mombasa Road, the Nairobi-Namanga Highway in Athi River, Kenyatta Avenue, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, and other major routes, preventing motorists and pedestrians from accessing the city centre.
Officers on the ground said they were acting on instructions to restrict access for public safety reasons.
The roadblocks were put in place as early as 2 am.
Kenya braced for June 25 memorial protests marking the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-government demonstrations, during which dozens of people were killed.
Tension was evident as opposition figures and civil society groups mobilised for the Gen Z memorial, while security agencies increased deployment in areas considered potential hotspots.
Nairobi police had earlier said the planned marches were unlawful because they had not been notified as required, raising concerns about possible confrontations between authorities and demonstrators in the capital and other areas.
The government has begun compensating people affected by the 2024 protests, paying Sh448.7 million to 348 beneficiaries, including Sh3 million each to families of 115 people who died. Despite this, some groups continue to express dissatisfaction over unresolved concerns and allegations of heavy-handed policing.
Civil society groups planned a night vigil to honour those who died, while officials cautioned against individuals who might seek to disrupt Thursday's commemorations across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government respects the constitutional right of citizens to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities.
Murkomen said police had received notification from citizens intending to hold public demonstrations and would provide security and guidance to participants in line with the law.
“The Government respects the constitutional rights of all Kenyans to peaceably assemble for whatever reason, on any day,” he said, citing Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful and unarmed assembly.
The Interior CS urged organisers and participants to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and unarmed, warning against actions that could undermine public safety and public order.
