NAIROBI, Kenya – Ahead of today’s protests, security has been heightened in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
A spot check by Y News has revealed that anti-riot police officers have been deployed at every junction, barricading Parliament Road and all roads leading to the State House in Nairobi.
Also, barricaded are roads leading to the CBD from Yaya Centre which have been closed at the Department of Defence (DOD) roundabout in Hurlingham.
A few people have also been spotted walking the streets, some shops still not open on a day that marks one year since the deadly June 25, 2024, Gen-Z demos.
Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi CBD has been closed. Vehicles are being redirected to Haille Sallasie.
Where have Kenyans started gathering in the Nairobi CBD
On the other hand, a spot check has also revealed that vehicles headed to the Nairobi CBD from Outer Ring Road have been blocked at the Donholm roundabout in Eastlands.
However, despite the heavy deployment of hundreds of security officers in the Nairobi CBD, people in the Nairobi CBD have started assembling at the Kenya National Archives.
In a statement shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter) and seen by Y News, Interior and National Government Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that Kenyans have a Nation to keep and build.
“On my way to work this morning, I met so many Kenyans who were up early and making their way to their daily hustles. We shall do everything to protect everyone and their livelihoods. I appreciate all our men and women in uniform who keep us all safe and secure. Good day,” said the CS.
Hours before the nationwide protests, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja cautioned demonstrators to avoid breaching protected zones and to conduct themselves lawfully.
Gen Z protestors are expected to demand good governance and an end to police brutality during the first anniversary protests since the June 25, 2024, killings of dozens of young Kenyans.
What IG Douglas Kanja told Kenyans ahead of the protests
Y News knows that the Kenyan Gen-Zs staged nationwide demonstrations in June 2024 to protest against punitive tax proposals.
IG Kanja, flanked by senior security commanders, stressed that the National Police Service (NPS) will enforce law and order strictly within constitutional parameters.
“Police officers shall act within the confines of the law to protect lives and property,” Kanja said. “We urge the public not to provoke officers and to demonstrate peacefully as allowed by the Constitution.”
Kanja was joined by top-ranking officers, including DCI boss Amin Mohamed, GSU commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, and Nairobi County Commander George Seda.
Despite the weight of the moment, the police boss declined to take questions from reporters after delivering his statement.
