Defiant youth storm streets to mark first anniversary of deadly 2024 protests
Youths plan to march countrywide on Wednesday, the first anniversary of the historic storming of parliament by protesters, to honour those killed during last year’s anti-government protests.
Defiant youth across Kenya took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that shook the country and left several people dead.
In Nairobi, security was tight as police sealed off major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD), including Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue.
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A protester hiding inside a dustbin around Agha Khan Walk lights a candle. (Barack Oduor)
The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Zs, commemorated the unprecedented storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024, an event that symbolised public outrage over government policies, economic hardship, and police brutality.
Protesters march down Moi Avenue, chanting 'Ruto Must Go'. (Barack Oduor)
Families of victims, human rights groups, and youth organisations vowed to honour those killed or reported missing during last year’s unrest by returning to the streets in peaceful protest.
Despite government warnings and a heavy police presence, groups of young protesters gathered in various parts of the city, chanting slogans and waving placards bearing the names of victims.
Police deployed wire-mesh fences and barricades to control access to key government installations, including the State House and Parliament.
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Protesters overwhelm police officers on Muindi Mbingu Street in Nairobi. The protests have largely remained peaceful.
Protesters overwhelm police officers on Muindi Mbingu Street in Nairobi. (Justine Ondieki)Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who joined the protesters in Nairobi, addressed the youth while sitting down with other leaders along Kimathi Street.
“We are going to disband the police and start afresh. We are mourning those who died and demanding justice for them. There is no other agenda,” he said.
Protesters blocked this street together with Mama Ngina Street as running battles between police and protesters continued.
A police officer has been injured while she was patrolling the Muindi Mbingu Street, Nairobi.
A police officer has been injured while she was patrolling Muindi Mbingu Street, Nairobi. (Justine Ondieki)Nominated Senator Crystal Asige joined protesters in Mombasa in a show of solidarity. She was surrounded by the hundreds of protesters who were marching in the CBD to mark the first anniversary of the June 2024 protests.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige among the protesters in Mombasa. (Farhiya Hussein)Former Chief Justice David Maraga also joined the youth in marking the first anniversary of the June 2024 protests. In a statement earlier, he described the Gen Z-led protests as a powerful rebuke to a government that he says has repeatedly trampled on rights and disregarded the Constitution.
Maraga said the youth have awakened the nation with their courage, and their voices are demanding justice, dignity, and change.
He said the current wave of protests carries the spirit of Kenya’s first and second liberations — from the fight against colonial rule to the battle against one-party dominance — and now reflects a generation defending the 2010 Constitution with their own lives.
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In Mombasa, protesters streamed through the CBD as they marched in commemoration of those killed in the 2024 protests. Police lobbed tear gas to disperse the youth.
Protesters at Buxton in Mombasa. (Farhiya Hussein)
Protesters in Mombasa carrying placards head to Marikiti area. (Farhiya Hussein)
Protesters in Mombasa carrying placards head to Marikiti area. (Farhiya Hussein)Protesters light a bonfire along Ronald Ngala Street, Nairobi, as they chanted anti-Ruto slogans. The police police pushed them away from the Central Business District.
Protesters light a bonfire along Ronald Ngala Street, Nairobi. (Barack Oduor)
Protesters light a bonfire along Ronald Ngala Street, Nairobi. (Barack Oduor)Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures paid tribute to victims of the June 2024 protests, laying wreaths at a police barricade under heavy security.
The leaders had earlier gathered outside Holy Family Basilica for prayers before walking towards Parliament Square, where access was blocked by razor wire and a heavy police presence.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures paid tribute to victims of the June 2024 protests, laying wreaths at a police barricade under heavy security. (X/Kalonzo Musyoka)Although they were not allowed to go beyond the barrier, they proceeded to lay flowers, knelt in silence, and offered a short prayer at the edge of the restricted zone.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures paid tribute to victims of the June 2024 protests, laying wreaths at a police barricade under heavy security. (X/Kalonzo Musyoka)Police officers were forced to lob tear gas to disperse protesters along Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, as the crowd surged towards them.
Some Kenyans played football near the GPO as police continued to fire canisters towards them. (Justine Ondieki)And even with the tear gas in the air, some Kenyans played football near the GPO as police continued to fire canisters towards them.
At Kencom, the crowds who were trying to access City Hall Way were also dispersed.
Police lob tear gas to disperse protesters on Kenyatta Avenue. (Justine Ondieki)
The mood in the city remains tense as protestors stream in large numbers to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s unrest.
Protesters along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on June 25, 2025. (Justine Ondieki)
Protesters along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on June 25, 2025. (Justine Ondieki)Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen walks through Nairobi CBD alongside Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior police officers as June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests begin.
"As you go about your daily activities, be assured of your safety and the protection of your livelihoods. For those who will turn up to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate, we urge them to do so peacefully and unarmed, as provided for in our laws," he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen walked through the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District. (X/Kipchumba Murkomen)
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen interact with police officers at Parliament buildings. (X/Kipchumba Murkomen)A crowd was spotted at Nairobi Central Police Station, which has been embroiled in the dispute over the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang. Police later lobbed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
A protester is seen carrying a flag while standing on a footbridge at Central Police Station. (Barack Oduor)Protesters in Mombasa peacefully march towards the Saba Saba junction as they commemorate victims of last year's deadly protests.
The protesters first gathered at ACK Cathedral Church for a memorial service of those who lost their lives during last year's Gen Z protests before proceeding to hold demos in the CBD.
The protesters first gathered at ACK Cathedral Church for a memorial service of those who lost their lives during last year's Gen Z protests before proceeding to hold demos in the CBD. (Farhiya Hussein)
The protesters first gathered at ACK Cathedral Church for a memorial service of those who lost their lives during last year's Gen Z protests before proceeding to hold demos in the CBD. (Farhiya Hussein)Protests in Mombasa kick off along the CBD area, this is after the protesters held a memorial service at the ACK Cathedral Church.
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Protesters gather outside Kenya Archives in Nairobi CBD in preparation for a planned march to honour victims of deadly 2024 protests.
Protesters march down Moi Avenue, chanting 'Ruto Must Go'. (Barack Oduor)City Hall Way and Wabera Street in Nairobi remained deserted as most motorists and pedestrians stayed away from the city, where protests are expected. There is a heavy police presence in the CBD.
Motorists from Nyayo Stadium Roundabout were also barred from entering the CBD via Uhuru Highway. However, Ladhies Road remained accessible, as officers redirected traffic and controlled entry into the city centre.
City Hall Way and Wabera Street in Nairobi remained deserted as most motorists and pedestrians stay away from the city, where protests are expected. (Barack Oduor)
Matatus turning at Uhuru Highway as police block roads leading to CBD. (Barack Oduor)Security was heightened in Nairobi early on Wednesday morning, with police officers blocking major roads leading into the Central Business District as Kenya marked the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests that shook the country in 2024.
Access to Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue was completely blocked, with police erecting wire-mesh fences and barricades.
Police erect a fence on road leading to State House as protesters threaten to storm State House. (Mary Wambui)
Police erect a fence on Parliament Road in Nairobi ahead of protests. (Barack Oduor)[embed]https://twitter.com/Eastleighvoice/status/1937748313274560824[/embed]
Business premises remained closed along streets and avenues. Along Ronald Ngala Street, very few shops and businesses were open in the morning hours.
On City Hall Way, Wabera Street, Tom Mboya Street, and Moi Avenue, most shops remained closed, with only a few pedestrians seen walking.
Shops along Moi Avenue remained closed ahead of planned protests. (Mary Wambui)Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hold a brief meeting with police officers at the Office of the President along Harambee Avenue early in the morning.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli were in attendance during the morning engagement, which took place just hours before the day’s events began.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen engage with police officers ahead of protests. (X/Kipchumba Murkomen)At Kimende on Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, a group of residents lit bonfires and obstructed the road using stones, causing slight disruption to traffic flow. The area was later cleared by police.
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