NAIROBI, Kenya- A coalition of Kenyan human rights organisations has accused the National Police Service of violating constitutional rights during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests, citing widespread roadblocks, arbitrary arrests, disruption of peaceful assemblies and the use of force against protesters and journalists.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG), a coalition comprising more than a dozen civil society organisations, condemned what it described as “widespread violations of constitutional rights” during the nationwide demonstrations.
The coalition said the police actions contradicted assurances given a day earlier by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen that peaceful and unarmed demonstrators would be protected and that June 25 would proceed as a normal working day.
Instead, the group said, Kenyans woke up to extensive police barricades and roadblocks on major roads leading into Nairobi and around Parliament Buildings, with similar restrictions reported in Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Laikipia and Kiambu counties.
According to the rights organisations, the restrictions prevented millions of people from accessing workplaces, businesses and essential services, which they argued violated constitutional protections on freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly.
The coalition further claimed the barricades were erected despite an existing High Court order barring blanket obstruction of public roads without adequate notice.
Families of victims among those dispersed
The PRWG said demonstrations were held in at least 14 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Machakos and Laikipia.
It said families of victims killed during last year’s Gen Z protests had gathered outside Parliament to lay flowers in memory of their loved ones but were dispersed by police after the ceremony, with several people reportedly arrested.
The coalition argued that laying flowers was a peaceful expression protected under Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
Concern over arrests and treatment of journalists
The rights groups also alleged that police used tear gas against peaceful protesters and journalists outside Nairobi’s Central Police Station and arrested several members of the media.
According to the statement, such actions undermine constitutional protections for media freedom and public access to information.
The coalition also expressed concern over reports that some police officers deployed during the protests wore masks or concealed their identities, despite court orders requiring officers engaged in public order operations to remain identifiable.
More than 360 arrests reported
The PRWG said more than 361 people had been arrested by the time the statement was issued, including 161 in Nairobi and 123 in Kajiado County. It also reported two injuries in Kajiado.
The organisations argued that many of the arrests lacked lawful justification and raised concerns over arbitrary detention and violations of the rights of arrested persons.
The coalition also criticised the arrest of individuals in Kitengela and Rongai who were allegedly accused of mobilising participation in the protests, saying organising peaceful assemblies is protected under the Constitution.
Mombasa police commended
While criticising policing in several counties, the coalition praised police officers in Mombasa, saying they facilitated peaceful demonstrations without interfering with participants.
It described the officers’ conduct as an example of rights-respecting policing that should be replicated across the country.
Calls to government
The coalition urged the Executive to comply with court rulings governing the policing of demonstrations, including judgments requiring police to facilitate peaceful assemblies, avoid blanket restrictions on movement and ensure officers are identifiable.
It also called on the National Police Service to stop unlawful arrests, investigate allegations of police misconduct and release those arrested while exercising their constitutional rights.
The statement further urged Parliament to strengthen oversight of security agencies and asked the Judiciary to continue safeguarding constitutional freedoms and ensuring accountability for violations.
The Police Reforms Working Group includes organisations such as the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Katiba Institute, Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), ICJ Kenya, HAKI Africa, FIDA Kenya, Transparency International Kenya and several other civil society organisations working on governance, policing and human rights.