Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that 355 people were arrested during demonstrations held across the country to mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests that shook Kenya and altered the country's political landscape.
The demonstrations, which took place in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and several other towns on Wednesday, drew thousands of mostly young Kenyans who took to the streets to commemorate those who died during last year's anti-government protests and to renew calls for accountability, justice and governance reforms.
The anniversary demonstrations were largely peaceful, with protesters carrying Kenyan flags, flowers and placards bearing the names and photographs of people who died during the protests that erupted in June last year. Many of the demonstrators also demanded justice for victims of alleged police brutality, enforced disappearances and torture that followed the protests.
The Gen Z protests began as opposition to the Finance Bill, which proposed a raft of tax measures that many young Kenyans argued would increase the cost of living and worsen economic hardships. What initially started as online campaigns quickly evolved into nationwide demonstrations led largely by young people mobilised through social media platforms.
The protests reached a climax when demonstrators breached Parliament buildings in Nairobi, prompting a security crackdown that resulted in deaths, injuries and arrests. The events sparked international concern and triggered a wider national conversation on governance, accountability and the relationship between the state and its citizens.
Over the past year, human rights organisations and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have published reports documenting deaths, injuries and allegations of human rights violations linked to the protests and subsequent security operations. The reports have highlighted cases of individuals who were killed during demonstrations, others who sustained serious injuries and allegations of abductions and torture.
Families of victims and civil society organisations have continued to push for justice, arguing that those responsible for unlawful killings and other abuses must be held accountable. The calls for justice formed a central theme of Wednesday's commemorative demonstrations.
Despite the emotional significance of the anniversary, Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen said the country remained largely calm throughout the day.
"I commend all Kenyans for heeding the Government's call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities today. It is gratifying to report that no widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes, or injuries were reported in the country in relation to today's demonstrations," said Murkomen.
He described the conduct of the majority of protesters as evidence of Kenya's democratic maturity and commitment to constitutional order.
"This is not only commendable but also a testament to the maturity of our politics and governance. Today is proof that when demonstrations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, peace and security are guaranteed," he added.
Murkomen, however, revealed that security agencies arrested 355 people in connection with various offences committed during the demonstrations. According to the Interior Ministry, the suspects were apprehended for offences including vandalism, attacks on police officers, destruction of public and private property and other acts deemed unlawful by authorities.
The Interior CS maintained that security agencies had a constitutional obligation to maintain law and order and protect lives and property during public demonstrations. He noted that investigations into incidents reported during the protests are ongoing and that those found culpable would be processed through the justice system.
The anniversary protests once again demonstrated the enduring influence of Kenya's Gen Z movement, which has become a defining force in the country's civic and political discourse. Beyond opposing tax measures, the movement has increasingly championed issues of accountability, transparency, human rights and citizen participation in governance.
Political analysts say the demonstrations reflected the continued determination among young Kenyans to seek justice for victims of last year's protests and to keep alive demands for reforms. The commemorations also highlighted the deep scars left by the events of June 2025, with many families still grieving loved ones who died or disappeared during the unrest.
