Police officers on Thursday, June 25, 2026, disrupted a symbolic procession organized by opposition leaders and civil society activists in Nairobi to commemorate victims of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.
The group, which had gathered in the city centre, was attempting to march towards Parliament Buildings to honour young Kenyans who lost their lives during last year’s anti-government demonstrations when police intervened and ordered participants to leave the area.
Through a public address system, officers repeatedly instructed the crowd to disperse, citing security concerns as tensions remained high across the capital during the anniversary commemorations.
Among the leaders present were Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The leaders had joined families of victims, human rights activists, and young protesters in what organizers described as a peaceful memorial march aimed at remembering those who died during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations of June 2024.
The planned procession formed part of nationwide activities marking the second anniversary of the historic protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament and forced the government to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Witnesses reported that the atmosphere remained tense as police maintained a heavy presence around key government installations and major roads leading to Parliament.
The disruption comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the anniversary, with opposition leaders and civil society groups calling for justice and accountability for victims of the 2024 protests, while the government has urged Kenyans to commemorate the day peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to violence or destruction of property.
Several opposition figures have maintained that the June 25 demonstrations represent a significant moment in Kenya’s democratic history and should be remembered through peaceful activities honouring those who lost their lives.
Authorities, on the other hand, have insisted that security measures deployed across Nairobi are intended to maintain public order and protect lives and property during the commemorations.
The incident is likely to fuel further debate over the right to peaceful assembly, police conduct during public demonstrations, and the broader legacy of the Gen Z movement that emerged during the 2024 anti-government protests.
