Police cordon off Parliament Buildings with razor wire

The country’s youth are bracing for demonstrations in Nairobi and major towns to protest against police brutality, abductions, and injustices, as they mark the first anniversary of last year’s deadly protests.

Ahead of the demonstrations in Nairobi, police have intensified operations and blocked major roads leading to Parliament in a bid to prevent protesters from accessing the legislature.

Last year, thousands of protesters stormed Parliament in a historic action that caught security officers off guard after Gen Z demonstrators overpowered them.

The protesters helped themselves to lunch at the MPs’ canteen and occupied the National Assembly Chambers, an incident that resulted in the deaths of several Gen Zs.

This year, Gen Z protesters have vowed to return to the streets to pressure the government to uphold the rule of law and end extra-judicial killings.

A spot check by The Star revealed a heavy deployment of anti-riot police within and around Parliament in anticipation of the demonstrations.

Officers have also been deployed along major roads leading into Nairobi, including Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, and Ngong Road.

In Nairobi, many businesses have closed and streets remain largely deserted after opposition leaders declared Wednesday a ‘public holiday’ in honour of Gen Z protesters who died in 2024.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Tuesday cautioned protesters to steer clear of protected areas ahead of the planned demonstrations on Wednesday, June 25, which are expected to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.

In a press briefing that lasted less than ten minutes, IG Kanja stated that police would act within the law to protect lives and property.

He urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully and warned that officers would remain vigilant.

Flanked by DCI boss Amin Mohamed, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, DIG in charge of APS Gilbert Masengeli, Nairobi County Commander George Seda, and other senior officers, Kanja also urged the public not to provoke police officers during the protests.

He did not take questions from journalists following the briefing.

This comes as Nairobi Police Chief George Seda assured the public that security agencies were fully prepared to ensure safety during the Wednesday protests.

“We have a plan, and we shall provide sufficient and effective security to ensure everyone—whether participating in the protests or not—is safe,” Seda said on June 18, 2025.

“As for June 25, we have enhanced our plans. We also have a copy of the letter that was delivered to Central Police Station,” he added.