Parliament Road remained sealed on Wednesday morning as security agencies intensified patrols across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) ahead of planned demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-government protests.
A heavy police presence was witnessed around key government installations and major roads leading into the city centre, with anti-riot officers deployed at strategic locations to maintain security and manage anticipated crowds.
Tension and uncertainty gripped parts of Nairobi as businesses remained cautious, with some traders opting to keep their premises closed while others operated with minimal staff amid fears of possible unrest.
Large sections of the CBD recorded reduced activity compared to a normal working day, as many residents chose to stay away from the city centre. Public transport services were also affected on several routes, forcing some commuters to seek alternative means of transport.
Motorists experienced delays in various parts of the city as police monitored movement and maintained heightened vigilance ahead of the planned demonstrations.
The protests, organised by Gen Z activists, civil society groups and opposition supporters, are intended to commemorate those who lost their lives or were injured during last year’s anti-government demonstrations that culminated in the storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024.
Security officers maintained a visible presence around Parliament Buildings, government offices, commercial centres and major intersections as authorities sought to prevent any security breaches.
Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while warning against violence, destruction of property and criminal activities during the demonstrations.
“The Government respects the constitutional rights of all Kenyans to peaceably assemble and demonstrate,” Murkomen said, adding that security agencies had been directed to provide protection to peaceful protesters while taking action against individuals seeking to engage in unlawful acts.
The Cabinet Secretary also said investigators were monitoring reports of persons allegedly planning to exploit the demonstrations to cause violence or disrupt public order.
The June 25 anniversary has rekindled national conversations on police accountability, governance and youth activism, with human rights organisations and families of victims continuing to demand justice for those affected during the 2024 protests.
As the day unfolds, authorities remain on high alert, with security measures around Parliament and other key installations expected to remain in place amid anticipation of large crowds in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
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