Opposition leaders have condemned the police for barricading major roads and mounting heavy security operations ahead of a peaceful march in remembrance of the Gen Z killed during the 2024 anti-government protests.
They said the measures were meant to frustrate Kenyans seeking to honour victims and join peaceful memorial activities.
Addressing the media outside the Serena Hotel as they prepared to march to Parliament to lay flowers, the leaders said the restrictions would not stop calls for justice and accountability for those who were killed and injured.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the group’s objective was to join victims’ families in paying tribute to those who lost their lives, adding that the day should eventually be recognised as a public holiday.
“God willing, when we get elected next year, we shall formalise this day to be a proper public holiday,” Kalonzo said, adding that they only intended to honour victims and their families.
PLP leader Martha Karua criticised the heavy police presence and road barricades across Nairobi, saying there was no justification for violence or destruction of property under such circumstances. “There is so much police presence. It is inconceivable that there can be any looting or any property damage,” she said.
She emphasised that opposition leaders were exercising their constitutional rights and expected adequate security as they proceeded to Parliament for the memorial activities.
“We are peaceful. We are not doing anything wrong; we expect this to be peaceful,” she said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga said the memorial was aimed at remembering young people who lost their lives and pressing for accountability. “Compensation is fine, but no money can buy any life,” Maraga said.
He maintained that those responsible for the killings must face justice. “The police officers and anybody who was involved must be taken and prosecuted.”
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa thanked Kenyans who chose to stay at home in remembrance of the victims and accused the government of attempting to intimidate citizens through heavy security deployment.
“The city of Nairobi is completely barricaded. It shows a paranoid government that’s afraid of its own people,” Wamalwa said, noting that the right to protest was protected by the Constitution.
Among those accompanying the opposition leaders were families of victims who renewed calls for justice.
Mama Rex Maasai dismissed compensation as an alternative to accountability. “Compensation cannot replace accountability. Arrest the killer cops,” she said.
Mama Ibrahim called for action against officers responsible for the deaths. “Polisi wetu walioua watoto wachukuliwe hatua, ndio next time, wasiendelee kuua,” she said.
Mama Ericsson said families were still seeking justice for their loved ones. “We just want justice from the government, above all, accountability,” she said.
Mama Kennedy Onyango appealed to the police to allow families to commemorate their children peacefully. “Tafadhali, leo tuwache na amani tukumbuke watoto wetu. Usitupige na teargas,” she said.
The opposition leaders spoke as Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Masengeli defended heightened security measures, dismissing claims that police had blocked roads.
“Our wananchi are safe. I am grateful because no vehicles are being burnt and people are going about their work,” Masengeli said.
He said police were carrying out security checks to protect the public and not restricting movement. “We are not blocking people, we are allowing them.”
The National Police Service had said it was prepared to provide security and guide demonstrators, while several hospitals heightened emergency preparedness measures ahead of the memorial activities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said security officers had been deployed along major roads and entry points into Nairobi to protect people, property and critical infrastructure.
He said the deployment was intended to support lawful activities while minimising disruptions during the June 25 Gen Z memorial demonstrations.
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