Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has now retracted back on his words, declaring the Gen Z anniversary protests illegal, saying his remarks were intended to deter goons and criminals from infiltrating the demonstrations.
On Wednesday, Issa declared any street demonstrations planned in the city illegal, citing the failure by organisers to notify authorities as required by law.
“We have not received any official communication regarding the demonstrations. What we are seeing is information circulating on social media,” he said earlier.
He noted that security officers had only learnt about the planned protests through social media discussions and online mobilisation, while urging members of the public to avoid taking part in unauthorised gatherings.
However, activists maintained that the National Police Service was formally notified in advance of the peaceful marches taking place across the country on June 25, dismissing claims that authorities were caught unprepared.
In a statement, activist and presidential hopeful Boniface Mwangi revealed that a letter notifying police of the planned march to Parliament and similar demonstrations nationwide was delivered to the police spokesman by a team of five lawyers.
“The police had sufficient time to prepare to protect marchers and ensure that no goons infiltrate to harm protesters or loot businesses,” Mwangi said.
Despite the assurances, Kenyans hoping to take part in memorial activities marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests were met with roadblocks on Thursday morning after police barricaded key roads leading into Nairobi’s CBD.
Police sealed off major entry points into the CBD, restricting access from Jogoo Road, Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Juja Road, Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road and Kiambu Road.
The road closures disrupted public transport and private travel, leaving many commuters stranded and forcing some to walk long distances to access their workplaces and other destinations.
Issa defended the security operation, saying the road restrictions were meant to screen out criminals rather than stop peaceful protesters from accessing the city.
“We were not closing the roads; we were just screening the bandits and other criminals,” he said.
He maintained that police had allowed members of the public to pass through the roads while conducting security checks. “It's not like we closed the roads; we have been letting people pass,” he said.
He urged demonstrators to allow businesses to operate, saying the country had to continue moving forward despite the events being remembered.
“If they are really Kenyans, let them leave now so that wananchi can open their businesses. They should not consider only one side. For those who died, we are sorry, but for those who are alive, life must continue. Therefore, it is over now; activists can go their way. Closing the roads helped to save us from criminals,” Issa said.
On arrests made during the operation, the police boss said he did not have the exact number of people detained, but confirmed that several people had been arrested and taken to different police stations.
“I don't know the number, but various people have been arrested and are in different parts of our stations, but for now, I don't know,” he said.
The planned demonstrations came amid heightened anticipation among young Kenyans demanding accountability and governance reforms, with authorities increasing security in key areas of the capital.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen maintained that although the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and picket, organisers are required to notify law enforcement agencies in advance to allow security planning and ensure public safety.
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