NAIROBI, Kenya-A coalition of leading human rights organisations has accused the National Police Service (NPS) of widespread constitutional violations during the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests, citing unlawful roadblocks, arbitrary arrests, the use of force against peaceful demonstrators and journalists, and disregard for court orders.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) said police actions before and during the nationwide protests violated several constitutional rights, including the freedoms of movement, association, expression and peaceful assembly.
The coalition said the police erected extensive barricades on roads leading into Nairobi’s central business district and Parliament Buildings despite earlier assurances by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen that peaceful protesters would be protected and that June 25 would be a normal working day.
Similar roadblocks were reported in Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Laikipia and Kiambu counties.
According to the rights groups, the restrictions prevented millions of Kenyans from accessing workplaces, businesses and essential services, arguing that the move contravened Articles 36, 37 and 39 of the Constitution.
The coalition also said the barricades defied a High Court order prohibiting blanket obstruction of public roads without adequate notice.
The organisations further alleged that families of victims of the June 2025 anti-government protests who had gathered outside Parliament to lay flowers in memory of their loved ones were dispersed by police, with several mourners arrested after the memorial ceremony.
“The laying of flowers is a peaceful expression protected under Article 37,” the statement said, arguing that criminalising such acts undermines the dignity of grieving families and infringes constitutional rights.
The PRWG also condemned what it described as the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters and journalists outside Nairobi’s Central Police Station, saying several journalists were arrested while covering the demonstrations.
It argued that targeting members of the media violates constitutional protections for press freedom and public access to information.
The coalition also expressed concern over reports that some police officers deployed during the protests concealed their identities by wearing masks or operating without visible identification, contrary to existing court directives requiring officers policing demonstrations to be identifiable.
The rights organisations further criticised the arrests of individuals in Kitengela and Rongai accused of mobilising participation in the memorial protests, arguing that organising peaceful assemblies is protected under the Constitution.
According to the coalition, more than 361 people were arrested during the protests, including 161 in Nairobi and 123 in Kajiado County. It also reported two injuries in Kajiado and questioned the legal basis for many of the arrests.
However, the organisations commended police officers in Mombasa for facilitating peaceful demonstrations without interference, describing their conduct as an example of rights-respecting policing.
The coalition called on the Executive to comply with existing court orders governing the policing of public assemblies, including directives requiring police to facilitate peaceful demonstrations, avoid blanket road closures and ensure officers are identifiable.
It also urged the National Police Service to immediately release protesters arrested solely for participating in peaceful demonstrations, investigate alleged misconduct by officers and hold those responsible accountable.
Further, the organisations appealed to Parliament to strengthen oversight of security agencies and called on the Judiciary to continue safeguarding constitutional rights and preventing arbitrary detention.
The statement was signed by more than 20 organisations under the Police Reforms Working Group umbrella, including the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Katiba Institute, Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), ICJ Kenya, HAKI Africa, Transparency International Kenya, FIDA Kenya and Defenders Coalition, among others.
The National Police Service had not responded to the allegations contained in the statement at the time of publication.