Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli has defended the deployment of roadblocks across major highways leading to Nairobi, saying the security measures were intended to prevent criminal elements and dangerous weapons from accessing areas where June 25 commemorations were taking place.
Speaking as security agencies maintained heightened vigilance across the country, Masengeli said the roadblocks were not aimed at restricting peaceful demonstrators but were necessary to ensure public safety during the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.
“The roadblocks were put in place to stop goons and prevent the movement of dangerous weapons that could be used to disrupt peaceful demonstrations,” Masengeli said.
His remarks came as hundreds of motorists and passengers travelling to Nairobi were stranded following the establishment of a police roadblock at Mlolongo, leading to a massive traffic snarl-up along the busy Mombasa Road.
Long queues of vehicles stretched for several kilometres as security officers conducted checks on vehicles entering the capital. The situation left many commuters frustrated, with some passengers forced to disembark and walk long distances after public transport services were disrupted.
The roadblocks were erected ahead of nationwide commemorations marking the first anniversary of the anti-government protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024.
Meanwhile, a group of activists and residents staged peaceful demonstrations in Mombasa Town to honour victims of last year’s protests. The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans calling for justice and accountability for those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
Security remained tight in Mombasa, with police officers deployed in strategic locations to monitor the situation and ensure the protests remained peaceful.
Across the country, authorities maintained a heavy security presence around government installations, major highways and public spaces amid concerns that criminal elements could infiltrate the demonstrations.
Masengeli reiterated that the National Police Service remained committed to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration while taking firm action against individuals intent on engaging in violence, looting or destruction of property.
“We support peaceful protests as provided for in the Constitution, but we will not allow criminals to take advantage of the situation to endanger lives or destroy property,” he said.
The June 25 commemorations have drawn large crowds in several towns as Kenyans remember those killed and injured during last year’s protests, which sparked nationwide debate on governance, police accountability and youth participation in public affairs.
As the commemorations continued, security agencies remained on high alert, insisting that measures such as roadblocks and increased patrols were necessary to maintain order and safeguard the public.
