maandamano-2026-news

Several Arrested as Nairobi CBD Protests Mark June 25 Anniversary

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Ozymandias

Several protesters were arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday as crowds gathered to mark the June 25 anniversary demonstrations, a day that has become associated with remembrance, accountability and youth-led civic action in Kenya.

From the early morning hours, major roads leading into the city centre experienced disruptions as security officers set up roadblocks and restricted access to parts of the CBD and areas near Parliament.

Some businesses remained closed in sections of the city, while groups of demonstrators attempted to access the CBD carrying placards, flags and messages honouring those who lost their lives during the 2024 protests.

Live footage and eyewitness reports showed police officers moving in to disperse some groups, with arrests carried out at different points throughout the day.

Local media reports indicated that several protesters had been arrested in Nairobi CBD by Thursday afternoon, although authorities had not provided an official consolidated figure at the time of publication.

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A Day of Remembrance

This year’s demonstrations were organised as memorial gatherings to honour those who died during the June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill.

Participants said the events were not meant to celebrate political victories but rather to remember victims and renew calls for justice.

“No one deserves to lose their life for expressing themselves,” read messages shared on placards and across social media platforms.

Families, activists and young Kenyans used the occasion to reflect on events that significantly shaped the country’s political conversation.

The original demonstrations in 2024 attracted thousands of mainly young protesters who opposed proposed tax measures. The protests escalated, leading to dramatic scenes around Parliament before the Finance Bill was eventually withdrawn.

Increased Security Presence

Security remained heightened across Nairobi as authorities monitored movement around key areas.

Police maintained that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly but warned against violence, destruction of property and disruption of public order.

Roadblocks, security checks and restricted movement around government installations shaped much of the day’s activities.

For many participants, the anniversary represented both a moment of mourning and a renewed call for accountability.

“This is remembrance, but also a call for accountability,” was a message repeated by some demonstrators.

Kenyans Push for June 25 to Be Recognised as a Public Holiday in Memory of Protest Victims

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Ozymandias

A growing number of Kenyans are calling for June 25 to be officially recognised as a public holiday in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the anti-government protests of June 25, 2024.

The conversation has gained renewed attention as the country marks the anniversary of the demonstrations, which became one of the most significant moments in Kenya’s recent history.

The protests, largely driven by Generation Z activists, initially began in opposition to proposed tax increases but later expanded into wider calls for accountability, transparency and improved governance.

Among those who joined the conversation was social media user Rachel Tabitha, whose comments attracted widespread attention.

“The government wants to compensate the victims, yet it does not want us to commemorate the day we lost them. Make it make sense,” she wrote.

Her remarks reflected the views of some Kenyans who believe the date should be formally set aside as a day of remembrance.

Remembering a Defining Moment

The events of June 25, 2024, remain a significant part of Kenya’s national conversation.

During demonstrations against the Finance Bill, protesters entered Parliament grounds, leading to a security response that attracted both local and international attention.

Human rights groups have reported that dozens of people died during the protests, while many others were injured.

The demonstrations sparked major discussions about youth involvement in governance, citizens’ rights and the relationship between the public and the state.

For supporters of a memorial holiday, June 25 represents more than a political moment. They argue that the date symbolises sacrifice, civic participation and the demand for accountability.

Mixed Reactions Online

The proposal has received both support and criticism across social media platforms.

Those backing the idea say an official holiday would honour those who lost their lives and preserve an important part of Kenya’s history.

Others argue that remembrance does not necessarily require the creation of another public holiday, saying the focus should instead remain on healing, reconciliation and addressing the issues that led to the protests.

As discussions continue, June 25 remains a date that carries deep emotions and different interpretations among Kenyans.

Nairobi Brought to a Standstill as Police Block Major Routes to CBD

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Ozymandias

Nairobi residents woke up to major disruptions on Thursday morning after police sealed off several key roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD), despite earlier government assurances that the day would proceed as normal.

Thousands of commuters were left stranded across the capital as security officers enforced restrictions at major entry points into the city centre. The operation came amid heightened security around the planned anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests that began a year ago.

Access to CBD Restricted

The heavy police presence has disrupted traffic flow into the heart of Nairobi, with motorists and pedestrians facing difficulties accessing the CBD.

Although the Interior Ministry had indicated that normal operations would continue, the situation on the ground was different, with several routes experiencing roadblocks and movement restrictions.

Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) were among those most affected, with some unable to proceed beyond police checkpoints.

“Forget the Interior Ministry’s claim that there will be normalcy. It is ‘no access’,” one commuter posted online.

Disruptions Along Waiyaki Way

On the western side of Nairobi, Waiyaki Way experienced significant disruption, with multiple police checkpoints reported along the route.

A major roadblock was set up around the Uthiru-87 Junction, causing heavy traffic buildup and delays.

Long-distance buses arriving from western Kenya were reportedly stopped, leaving many travellers unable to complete their journeys into the city.

Heavy Deployment on Thika Superhighway

Similar scenes were witnessed along the Thika Superhighway, where anti-riot police officers mounted checkpoints at several points, including Thika, Ruiru, Juja, Kahawa and Githurai.

Traffic congestion intensified near the Kasarani Stadium roundabout, where vehicles heading toward the CBD were reportedly stopped and turned back.

Some pedestrians also reported being affected as movement through certain areas became restricted.

Mombasa Road and Other Routes Affected

On Mombasa Road, movement into Nairobi was disrupted at Mlolongo, where a police barrier slowed traffic entering the city.

Other major roads, including Jogoo Road, Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road, also experienced increased police presence, affecting especially commuters relying on public transport.

Commuters Forced to Walk

With many PSVs unable to move past police checkpoints, thousands of workers were forced to abandon vehicles and walk long distances to reach their destinations.

Some commuters expressed frustration over the restrictions, saying the disruptions had affected their ability to access workplaces.

“Freedom of movement curtailed… Now workers won’t access their workplaces,” another commuter wrote on X.

The situation continued to develop as authorities maintained security operations across the city.