Kenya’s Parliament Buildings have been surrounded by barbed wire and heavily guarded by police ahead of demonstrations marking the June 25 protest anniversary.

Security officers sealed roads leading to Parliament and parts of Nairobi’s Central Business District as the country prepared to commemorate the Gen Z-led protests of June 25, 2024, when demonstrators stormed Parliament during opposition to the Finance Bill.

Anti-riot police were deployed around Parliament Road, City Hall Way and other key government installations. Some roads leading into the CBD were also blocked as authorities sought to stop protesters from reaching the city centre.

The tight security comes exactly two years after one of the most dramatic moments in Kenya’s political history, when thousands of young protesters breached Parliament after lawmakers passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

That protest forced President William Ruto to withdraw the bill after nationwide anger over proposed tax increases.

This year, security agencies say they want to avoid a repeat of the violence and destruction witnessed in 2024.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said police had been instructed to protect peaceful protesters while taking action against criminals and violent groups.

“For those who will engage in peaceful protests tomorrow, police are ready to give you security and protection so that you can have a peaceful march,” Murkomen said during a peace and security meeting on June 24.

He added that security officers would not tolerate violence, destruction of property or attacks on businesses.

“Anyone who is going to disturb peace, I want to tell you that our National Police Service is well-equipped to ensure that our country is safe,” he said.

President William Ruto also urged Kenyans to remain peaceful during the anniversary protests.

Despite the assurances from the government, tension remained high across Nairobi on Thursday morning.

Several businesses in the CBD remained closed, while many commuters struggled to access the city centre after police blocked sections of major roads.

Security officers were also stationed along Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Thika Road and Ngong Road.

Some public service vehicles avoided entering the CBD altogether.

Remembering June 25 Victims

The anniversary protests are expected to include marches and candle-lighting ceremonies to honour Kenyans who died during the 2024 demonstrations.

Activists and youth groups say the protests are meant to remember victims of police brutality and demand accountability over killings, abductions and human rights abuses.

The government, however, maintains that protests must remain peaceful and lawful.

Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamoud said police had not received formal notification for some planned demonstrations.

“We have not received any formal notification so far,” he said.

“Hence, we are not aware of the alleged commemoration.”

The June 25 anniversary has revived memories of the events that shocked the country in 2024.

On that day, thousands of mainly young protesters marched against the Finance Bill after accusing the government of overtaxing Kenyans during a difficult economic period.

When Parliament passed the bill despite the demonstrations, protesters forced their way into the parliamentary compound after overpowering police.

Parts of Parliament were vandalised and sections of the building were set on fire.

The invasion forced MPs to flee through underground tunnels linking the debating chambers to Bunge Towers.

However, two lawmakers with disabilities were unable to escape quickly.

Nominated MP Rose Museo, who uses crutches, and MP Jackson Kosgei, who uses a wheelchair, remained inside as protesters entered Parliament.

Speaking later about the ordeal, Museo said she feared for her life.

“I was very scared and I prayed to God as about 22 young protesters surrounded me,” she told the BBC.

Kosgei also recalled the chaotic scenes inside Parliament.

“We were inside the chamber and all of a sudden our young men stormed in and everyone was looking for an escape route,” he said.

But both MPs later said protesters treated them kindly and helped them to safety.

Kosgei said protesters recognised him even though he had voted in support of the Finance Bill.

“They told me that I was a good man and asked me to allow them to escort me out of the building,” he said.

Museo said protesters held her hands and assured her they meant no harm.

“They told me: ‘You are our mother and we cannot hurt you,’” she said.

Gachagua claims state violence

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of planning “stage-managed attacks” during the protests so opposition leaders can be blamed for violence.

In a statement released after Murkomen’s security briefing, Gachagua questioned why authorities had not arrested suspected criminals if intelligence reports already existed.

“There will be stage-managed attacks on leaders allied to the government and accuse opposition leaders of inciting people against them,” Gachagua claimed.

The government has denied the accusations.

The June 25 protests changed Kenya’s political landscape by showing the growing influence of young voters and online mobilisation.

The Gen Z movement forced the government to withdraw the Finance Bill and pushed leaders to become more cautious when introducing unpopular policies.

Since then, the government has faced increased public scrutiny over taxation, governance and police conduct.

Officials recently announced compensation for hundreds of victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations between 2013 and 2025.

Even so, anger remains among many young Kenyans who say justice has not been fully served.