Police Seal Off Nairobi CBD, Mount Roadblocks Across Major Highways as June 25 Gen Z Anniversary Protests Begin

Police Seal Off Nairobi CBD, Mount Roadblocks Across Major Highways as June 25 Gen Z Anniversary Protests Begin

Thousands of commuters were left stranded on Thursday morning after police erected roadblocks and barricaded major entry points into Nairobi, significantly disrupting transport services as nationwide demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the historic Gen Z protests got underway.

The heightened security operation saw law enforcement officers block several key routes leading into the capital, including sections of Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, Lang’ata Road, and roads connecting Nairobi to Athi River and Mlolongo.

The restrictions, which began in the early hours of the morning, created widespread traffic disruptions and prevented many public service vehicles (PSVs) from accessing the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), forcing commuters to seek alternative transport options.

The demonstrations are being held to commemorate the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament during nationwide opposition to the Finance Bill, a moment that reshaped Kenya’s political landscape and ignited debates on governance, taxation, and youth participation in national affairs.

Major Roads Affected by Security Operation

A spot check across Nairobi revealed an unusually heavy police presence at strategic entry points, with officers conducting inspections and restricting vehicle movement into the city centre.

Along the Thika Superhighway, police mounted roadblocks at several locations, including Ruiru, the Eastern Bypass junction, Allsops, and Roysambu, causing long traffic queues and slowing movement for thousands of motorists heading into Nairobi.

Residents travelling from Ongata Rongai also encountered major disruptions after police established checkpoints at Tumaini and Maasai Lodge, effectively limiting movement toward the capital.

Meanwhile, motorists using Waiyaki Way reported delays after officers set up roadblocks near the 87 Junction area, restricting vehicles travelling from Limuru and surrounding regions into Nairobi.

The extensive security deployment transformed the normally busy morning commute into a challenging exercise for workers, students, and business operators attempting to reach the city.

Commuters Stranded as Public Transport Suffers

The transport restrictions had an immediate impact on public transport operations, with numerous matatus and buses unable to access their usual routes within the CBD.

Along Outering Road, stranded passengers were seen boarding lorries, pickup trucks, and other private vehicles after failing to secure matatus heading into town.

Several transport companies were also forced to adjust their operations in response to the evolving situation.

Among the affected operators was Guardian, which temporarily suspended some scheduled services as management monitored security developments and road accessibility.

A walk through sections of Haile Selassie Avenue revealed noticeably reduced traffic volumes, with only a handful of private vehicles and public service vehicles managing to enter the city centre under strict police supervision.

For many commuters, the disruptions translated into delayed arrivals at workplaces and business premises despite government assurances that June 25 would remain a normal working day.

Security Concerns Ahead of Anniversary Demonstrations

The roadblocks come amid heightened security concerns surrounding the anniversary protests, which authorities fear could be infiltrated by criminal gangs seeking to exploit otherwise peaceful demonstrations.

Government officials have repeatedly stated that security agencies remain committed to protecting peaceful protesters while preventing acts of violence, vandalism, looting, and destruction of property.

The anniversary demonstrations have attracted significant public attention, with civil society groups, youth activists, and opposition leaders calling for nationwide participation to honour those who lost their lives during the 2024 protests.

Conflicting Statements Over Protest Notifications

The latest developments have also exposed apparent contradictions within government ranks regarding the planned demonstrations.

On Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that authorities had received formal notification regarding peaceful protests planned for June 25.

“The government has received notification for peaceful demonstrations, and security agencies are prepared to ensure the safety of all Kenyans,” Murkomen said during a media briefing.

However, his remarks appeared to differ from earlier statements by senior Nairobi police commanders, who had maintained that no official notification had been submitted regarding demonstrations in the capital.

The conflicting positions sparked fresh debate over the legal status of the protests and the extent of police preparedness ahead of the anniversary.

Nation Watches as Demonstrations Unfold

As the day progresses, attention remains focused on how the commemorative demonstrations will unfold across Nairobi and other parts of the country.

With security agencies maintaining a heavy presence, transport services disrupted, and thousands of Kenyans expected to participate in memorial marches, the June 25 anniversary has once again emerged as a defining moment in Kenya’s evolving political and civic landscape.

Authorities have urged calm, while organisers continue to insist that the demonstrations are intended to remain peaceful and focused on remembrance, accountability, and democratic engagement.

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Police Seal Off Nairobi CBD, Mount Roadblocks Across Major Highways as June 25 Gen Z Anniversary Protests Begin