Police Lockdown- Major Highways Barricaded As Gen Z Memorial Protests Begin

Major transit corridors and entry points into Nairobi were brought to a standstill on Thursday morning, June 25, 2026, as police mounted extensive roadblocks across the capital. The massive security operation left thousands of commuters stranded as nationwide demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the historic Gen Z protests officially kicked off.

Despite the state’s insistence that Thursday would remain a normal working day, the transport network faced unprecedented disruptions.

Major Traffic Flashpoints and Gridlock

A city-wide security sweep heavily restricted movement along core highways connecting residential hubs to the Central Business District (CBD).

• Thika Superhighway: Police established multiple checkpoints at Ruiru, the Eastern Bypass junction, Allsops, and Roysambu.

• Waiyaki Way: A major bottleneck was created at the 87 Junction, cutting off motorists traveling from Limuru toward the city.

• Outer Ring Road & Mombasa Road: Commuters were seen boarding commercial lorries and trucks out of desperation as standard Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) ground to a halt.

• Satellite Towns: In Ongata Rongai, security forces erected barriers at the Tumaini area and Maasai Lodge, effectively sealing off residents from traveling toward Nairobi.

A spot check within the CBD revealed ghost-town-like conditions, with Haile Selassie Avenue reporting unusually low traffic volumes and heavily beefed-up security patrols.

Long-Distance Transport Suspended

Fearing potential volatility and property destruction, several prominent long-distance transport companies proactively halted operations. Major long-distance courier and PSV operators, including Guardian Angel, canceled scheduled morning departures to monitor the evolving security situation on the highways.

Context and Internal Government Contradictions

Today’s protests serve to commemorate June 25, 2024—the historic climax of the anti-Finance Bill protests that saw youths breach Parliament. Security agencies remain on high alert due to fears that criminal elements might infiltrate the peaceful memorial processions.

The heavy police deployment also exposes a communication rift within the state’s security apparatus. On Wednesday evening, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen openly contradicted Nairobi police leadership; while the CS confirmed that the government had received a formal notification for a peaceful protest, Nairobi’s top police commanders had previously denied receiving any such paperwork.