Roadblocks erected, businesses closed with police patrolling streets ahead of protests to mark deadly anniversary

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.

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.

A heavy police presence has been reported in key parts of Nairobi’s Central Business District ahead of planned protests expected later today.

Officers in full gear have been stationed along Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and around the National Archives area, although no crowd activity had been observed by the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, Thika Road remained calm, with traffic moving without interruption. Traffic was flowing smoothly along Wayaki Way in the early morning with officers positioned near the Kangemi footbridge.

Along Jogoo Road, a partial roadblock was mounted near Makongeni in the early morning hours, restricting movement in the area.

On Valley Road, access was also partially blocked near the Department of Defence (DOD), while City Hall Way was closed to traffic.

The Supreme Court area also recorded a significant police deployment.

The security clampdown comes as Kenyans commemorate the Gen Z protests of June 25, 2024, which were marked by the unprecedented storming of Parliament.

In honour of those who lost their lives during the unrest, a section of Kenyans have vowed to return to the streets in peaceful protests across the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen held 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.

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In the CBD, 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.

While the call for peaceful protest has been widely echoed, anxiety remains high over the possibility of renewed violence, looting, and confrontations, as witnessed during last year’s protests. Authorities have warned of firm action against anyone found breaching the law.

Security has been intensified nationwide, with Kanja warning that any acts of civil disobedience will be addressed within the confines of the law.

“As we exercise our rights, let us remember: Kenya is our homeland. We only have this country. Let us protect it,” he stated.

He reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate peacefully, the Public Order Act and the Penal Code set out clear conditions for lawful assemblies.

Any gatherings, he said, that turn violent or breach the peace will be deemed unlawful, and police will act accordingly.

“Unauthorised persons must also refrain from accessing protected areas, as defined under the Protected Areas Act,” Kanja warned.

As families of the victims continue to mourn, many are still waiting for justice. One year on, no police officer has been convicted in connection with the deaths reported during the protests.

Despite repeated promises, including past assurances from President William Ruto, progress on accountability remains minimal.

On Tuesday, President Ruto expressed his support for the police and warned that anyone intimidating officers would face consequences, though he made no mention of justice for the victims of last year’s deadly protests.

With tensions running high, many Kenyans are hoping that this year’s demonstrations will remain peaceful and free of bloodshed.

Still, fears persist over the possible infiltration of the protests by hired goons- a tactic seen in previous unrest.