Thousands of youth across Kenya took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that shook the country and left several people dead.
In Nairobi, security was tight as police sealed off major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD), including Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue
Kenya’s demonstrations, largely led by Gen Zs, commemorated the unprecedented storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024, an event that symbolised public outrage over government policies, economic hardship, and police brutality
Families of victims, human rights groups, and youth organisations vowed to honour those killed or reported missing during last year’s unrest by returning to the streets in peaceful protest.
Despite government warnings and a heavy police presence, groups of young protesters gathered in various parts of the city, chanting slogans and waving placards bearing the names of victims.
Police deployed wire-mesh fences and barricades to control access to key government installations, including the State House and Parliament
Protesters light a bonfire along Ronald Ngala Street, Nairobi, as they chanted anti-Ruto slogans. The police police pushed them away from the Central Business District
Opposition leaders led by Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures paid tribute to victims of the June 2024 protests, laying wreaths at a police barricade under heavy security.
The leaders had earlier gathered outside Holy Family Basilica for prayers before walking towards Parliament Square, where access was blocked by razor wire and a heavy police presence
Although they were not allowed to go beyond the barrier, they proceeded to lay flowers, knelt in silence, and offered a short prayer at the edge of the restricted zone
Mombasa, protesters streamed through the CBD as they marched in commemoration of those killed in the 2024 protests. Police lobbed tear gas to disperse the youth
Police officers were forced to lob tear gas to disperse protesters along Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, as the crowd surged towards tdispers
And even with the tear gas in the air, some Kenyans played football near the GPO as police continued to fire canisters towards them.
At Kencom, the crowds who were trying to access City Hall Way were also dispersed
The mood in the city remains tense as protestors stream in large numbers to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s unrest.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen walked along the city urging members of the public that their security is guaranteed together with their properties