Kenyan police seal off Nairobi roads as Gen Z protesters mark 2024 uprising anniversary
NAIROBI — Kenyan police sealed off major roads in the capital on Thursday as thousands of Gen Z protesters gathered in Nairobi’s central business district to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill uprising, demanding justice for victims and greater government accountability. Authorities deployed riot police, armored vehicles, and barricades along key arteries including Moi Avenue and Uhuru Highway, restricting movement ahead of the planned demonstrations .
The protests, which began in June 2024 against proposed tax hikes, escalated into deadly clashes with security forces, leaving more than 60 people dead and hundreds injured. Civil society groups and youth activists returned to the streets on 25 June 2026 to commemorate the anniversary and renew calls for accountability, with organizers citing unaddressed grievances and ongoing impunity .
Security forces have warned of potential violence, citing intelligence reports of planned disruptions. “We are prepared to maintain law and order while ensuring the rights of all citizens are respected,” Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters on Wednesday. The police crackdown in 2024 drew international condemnation, with human rights organizations documenting excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on press freedom .
Protesters, many of whom were not yet of voting age during the 2024 uprising, are demanding the release of detained activists, investigations into police killings, and structural reforms to curb state violence. “This is not just about taxes anymore—it’s about our future,” said 22-year-old organizer Amina Mohamed, speaking to Reuters. “We will not be silenced until our demands are met” .
The government has dismissed comparisons to 2024, asserting that security measures are proportionate. However, analysts warn that the anniversary could reignite tensions, particularly amid economic hardship and public distrust in state institutions. “The government’s response will determine whether this becomes a moment of reckoning or another cycle of repression,” said political analyst Dr. Wanjiku Mwangi. “Kenya cannot afford another violent confrontation.”
As the day progresses, Nairobi remains tense, with businesses boarding up windows and public transport services rerouted. The outcome of today’s protests may shape the trajectory of Kenya’s youth-led movement and its relationship with the state for years to come.
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