Several roads have been closed with heavy police deployment ahead of the anticipated June 25 protests, to mark two years since the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations that left tens of Kenyan youth dead.
The events have been organized primarily by Gen Z activists, civil society groups, and families of victims to honor those who lost their lives, were injured, or were affected during the protests.
Participants say the demonstrations are intended to demand accountability for protest-related deaths and injuries, while also highlighting ongoing concerns over governance, economic challenges, and public accountability.
Security agencies have deployed officers in Nairobi and other major towns ahead of the planned gatherings, with authorities urging protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
3:50 PM: Mass Arrests in Kajiado as Police Round Up 123 Youths During June 25 Protests
Police have arrested 123 youths in Kajiado County during the June 25 anniversary demonstrations, according to Kajiado Police Commander Alex Shikondi.
Shikondi confirmed that 94 of the arrests were made in Kitengela town, which witnessed heightened police operations as authorities moved to enforce security measures.
The arrests come amid a wider crackdown on protesters across several parts of the country as police seek to contain demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024, protests.
Security agencies continue to maintain a heavy presence in major towns and urban centers as commemorative activities and protests unfold.
1:40 PM: Police Fire Teargas at Protesters and Journalists Marching to Central Police Station
Police officers are firing teargas at protesters and journalists making their way towards Central Police Station in Nairobi during the June 25 anniversary demonstrations.
The incident occurs as groups move through the city center amid heightened security and ongoing protests marking the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.
Videos from the scene show crowds dispersing as teargas canisters are fired, forcing both protesters and members of the press to seek cover.
1:31 PM: Police Watch as Goons Reportedly Snatch Phones During Githurai 45 Running Battles
Tension is escalating in Githurai 45 as running battles between protesters and police continue during the June 25 anniversary demonstrations.
Reports from the area indicate that some individuals are having their phones and personal belongings snatched amid the confusion as crowds scatter following repeated teargas volleys.
Witnesses say groups of protesters are engaging in cat-and-mouse confrontations with police, while businesses and motorists are still affected by disruptions on key roads.
Heavy clouds of teargas are reported in parts of Githurai 45 as security officers continue efforts to disperse crowds gathered in the area.
11:53 AM: Drama at Parliament as Protesters Face Arrest After Laying Flowers for June 25 Victims
Tension is escalating outside Parliament Buildings as several protesters face arrest after taking part in a memorial flower-laying ceremony for victims of the June 25, 2024 protests.
11:45 AM: “Arrest My Son’s Killers”: Rex Masai’s Mother Makes Emotional Plea at June 25 Memorial
The mother of slain protester Rex Masai has called for the arrest and prosecution of police officers, she says, who were responsible for her son’s death during the June 25, 2024, anti-government protests.
Speaking during the June 25 anniversary commemorations, she said the family is still waiting for justice one year after Rex was fatally shot during demonstrations in Nairobi.
She urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable, insisting that families affected by the protests deserve answers and justice for their loved ones.
11:40 AM: Families of June 25 Victims Lay Flowers Outside Parliament
Families of victims killed gather outside Parliament Buildings to lay flowers in memory of their loved ones.
11:15 AM: Maraga whisked away as police issue dispersal orders in Nairobi CBD
Former Chief Justice David Maraga was among leaders moved from the Nairobi Central Business District as police enforced orders to disperse crowds gathered for the June 25 anniversary activities.
Security officers fired teargas in parts of the CBD while instructing members of the public to leave the area. Videos from the city centre show police shouting at crowds to clear as tension rises.
Former Justice Minister Martha Karua, Siaya Senator James Orengo and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa are also reported to be present in the CBD during the incident.
Some leaders were seen being hurried and escorted into waiting vehicles as security teams intensified operations to clear the area. Heavy police deployment remains in place across Nairobi’s city centre.
10:57 AM: Opposition Leaders and Victims’ Families March to Parliament
Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, David Maraga, and Eugene Wamalwa, are marching towards Parliament Buildings alongside activists and families of victims of the June 2024 protests.
Also taking part in the procession are activist Hussein Khalid and relatives of those killed during the demonstrations, including the mothers of Rex Masai and Kennedy Onyango.
The group is carrying flowers as part of a memorial march to honor victims of the anti-government protests while calling for justice and accountability.
10:45 AM: Mounted Police Disperse Crowds Along Moi Avenue Ahead of Protest Anniversary
Videos show police officers on horseback dispersing crowds gathered along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the anticipated protest anniversary.
The mounted officers are seen moving through sections of the avenue as security agencies work to prevent large gatherings from forming in the city center.
Businesses remain closed, and streets in the Nairobi CBD are deserted due to anticipated Gen Z protests and fears of looting.
Affected streets include Harambee Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, Kimathi Street, and Tom Mboya Street.
10:40 AM: Kalonzo, Karua, Maraga Gather at Serena Ahead of CBD March With Flowers
Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, former CJ Maraga, and Martha Karua, gather at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi ahead of a planned march to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The leaders were seen carrying flowers as they prepared to join commemorative activities marking the second anniversary of the anti-government protests.
10:30 AM: Journalist Mistakenly Arrested During Police Operation in Nairobi CBD
A journalist was reportedly mistakenly arrested by police during an operation targeting Gen Z protesters in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
10:20 AM: Gen Z Activists Hold Memorial Service in Mombasa Ahead of Anniversary Protests
Human rights activists and Gen Z participants gathered at the ACK Memorial Cathedral in Mombasa for a memorial service ahead of planned demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the anti-government protests.
The service brought together activists, families, and supporters to honor those affected by the protests and to reflect on calls for justice, accountability, and reform. The gathering preceded commemorative marches planned in parts of the coastal city.
10:10 AM: Commuters Trek to Work as Matatu Fares Surge Along Airport and Mombasa Roads
Commuters along Airport Road and Mombasa Road were forced to walk long distances after public transport operations were disrupted by access restrictions into Nairobi’s CBD.
Matatu fares reportedly doubled on some routes as operators adjusted to the changing traffic situation and movement controls. The fare increases and transport disruptions left many passengers stranded or seeking alternative ways to reach their workplaces.
09: 45: Police Lob Teargas to Disperse Protesters Marching to the Nairobi CBD
Police fired teargas in Githurai to disperse a group of protesters who were reportedly heading towards Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the planned Gen Z memorial marches.
The incident occurred as security agencies intensified operations across key routes leading into the city.
09:30 AM: Police Block Public Transport at Nairobi Funeral Home Roundabout, Deny Access to CBD
Police reportedly blocked public service vehicles at the Nairobi Funeral Home roundabout along Ngong Road as security operations intensified ahead of the planned protests.
Matatus and other public transport vehicles were denied entry into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), forcing commuters to seek alternative means of reaching the city center.
09:10 AM: Motorists Stuck on Nairobi–Mombasa Highway for Hours as Mlolongo Gridlock Worsens
Heavy traffic was reported along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway on Thursday morning after police mounted multiple roadblocks ahead of the planned protests.
A major traffic jam formed at Mlolongo as early as 5:30 a.m., with motorists experiencing lengthy delays on their way to Nairobi. Additional checkpoints in Kenya, Israel, and Kyumbi further slowed traffic, resulting in a significant buildup of vehicles along the busy corridor.
The congestion came amid heightened security operations and movement restrictions on key routes leading into the capital.
09:00 AM: Nairobi CBD Streets Remain Empty as Entry Points Stay Closed
Kenyatta Avenue and Moi Avenue remained largely deserted, with photos showing unusually quiet streets and intersections across Nairobi’s CBD.
The images captured wide roads with little vehicular traffic under overcast skies, with only a handful of pedestrians visible in the distance as access restrictions remained in place.
08:15 AM: Police Tighten Grip on Nairobi as Bunyala Roundabout Blocked, Buses Halted
Police blocked access through the Bunyala Roundabout as security operations intensified across Nairobi ahead of the June 25 protests.
Long-distance buses were reportedly stopped at the Uthiru 87 Junction and prevented from proceeding toward the city center, disrupting travel for passengers arriving from various parts of the country.
Multiple police roadblocks were also reported along Waiyaki Way, with officers monitoring movement and restricting access on key routes leading into Nairobi.
08:00 AM: Nairobi CBD Streets Empty
Streets within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) remained largely deserted as Kenyans exercised caution ahead of the planned Justice for Our Shujaas protests.
Police had blocked access at several roundabouts and key entry points, with vehicles reportedly barred from entering the city center. Images and videos from the area showed unusually quiet streets and minimal traffic movement.
Along Tom Mboya Street, one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial corridors, activity remained significantly reduced, with only a few pedestrians visible as security operations continued throughout the CBD.
06:40 AM: Police Lock Down Key Nairobi Routes Ahead of the Protests
As of 6:40 a.m. on June 25, 2026, police had mounted roadblocks on several major roads in Nairobi ahead of the planned protests.
The affected areas included Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Jogoo Road, Outering Road, routes leading to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and several access points into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
Security officers maintained a heightened presence across the city, monitoring movement and conducting checks at various locations.
Police also erected barricades along key approaches to Nairobi, with matatus reportedly prevented from accessing the CBD through Lang’ata Road and Mombasa Road. Similar restrictions were reported on routes linking the capital to Athi River and Mlolongo.
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