Heavy security, roadblocks mark Gen Z protests

Kenya’s urban centres on June 25, 2025, witnessed a wave of Gen Z-led protests that were marked by heightened security, road closures, and a heavy police presence.

In the morning, unlike in previous protests when police used force to prevent demonstrations, security personnel appeared calm, only for things to change as hours went by and the number of demonstrators grew.

Police used tear gas and water cannons against marchers to prevent them from entering the Nairobi city centre and key government installations.

There were running battles between police and demonstrators, especially on Thika Road in Nairobi.

The demonstrations, organised in defiance of State warnings, unfolded in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru, as thousands of people took to the streets to express frustration over governance, economic hardship, and alleged state brutality.

Major routes blocked

The demonstration was also meant to commemorate one year since protesters were killed in Parliament during anti-finance bill demos.

In Nairobi, security agencies blocked all major routes leading to the Central Business District (CBD) since early morning. Key roads leading to the Parliament, State House Road, Harambee Avenue and other roads that led to government entities were barricaded, paralysing traffic and forcing many businesses to remain shut.

Commuters were forced to walk long distances after matatus suspended operations in fear of chaos.

“Right now, we are walking all the way from Kangemi since the roads have been blocked on all routes leading to town. We are just patriots matching to the CBD, no politicians here, just Kenyans who are tired and are fighting for justice,” said one protester on his TikTok Live.

He also described how peaceful the protests were, saying Kenyans walked with the national flag on their backs, chanting in peace.

In Nairobi, demonstrators began gathering near the National Archives, Jeevanjee Gardens, and on different roads despite police warnings. Officers in full riot gear and with water cannons surrounded key government installations.

Tear gas was fired sporadically as confrontations flared, but protesters stood their ground, waving placards and Kenyan flags, and chanting slogans like “We are the voice!” and “Ruto Must Go”.

“I’m here to defend my rights and the rights of my children. I have come all the way from Kibera to fight for my rights. President Ruto wants to kill us with Teargas and tomorrow he will still want to govern us,” said a protester.

Officers outnumbered

Earlier, there was a standoff between police and protesters when officers prevented people from heading to the streets to demonstrate. But the officers were outnumbered and overpowered, and they retreated, giving way to thousands of protesters.

Protesters accused security forces of using excessive force to disrupt the peaceful protests. Several protestors were injured and were rushed to the hospital.

Unlike other protests, Gen Zs came out in large numbers despite restrictions from the police.

In Matuu, Machakos County, one person was fatally shot and several others injured during a violent confrontation between protesters and police after demonstrators attempted to storm the Matuu Police Station.

There were also protests in Meru, Kitengela, Kisii, Karatina, Ol Kalau and Molo towns.

Several businesses in President William Ruto’s home town of Eldoret and its environs were shut down after hundreds of Gen Z took to the streets to protest in honour of their fellow youths who were felled by police bullets during protests against the controversial 2024 Finance Bill.

Among the businesses hit hardest by the youth protests were supermarkets, eateries, and colleges.

This happened despite heightened security patrols by anti-riot police officers in central Nairobi as youth carrying twigs and placards shouted anti-President Ruto slogans.

Police watched in disbelief as the marauding youths, who included university and college students, chanted “Ruto must go, Ruto must go” as they marched along the streets.

“We shall not relent in our quest to send home the Kenya Kwanza-led government, which has been against the youths, come the 2027 general election,” shouted one of the Gen Z youth.

Protected areas

A contingent of armed Administration Police officers backed by prison officers was deployed at various protected areas, among them the High Court premises.

Hawk-eyed security officers manned the exit and entrance of the national and county government offices, and members of the public who sought services were turned away.

This followed heightened tension and animosity that engulfed Nairobi and its surroundings.

In Uasin Gishu, County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi downplayed the youths’ protest, saying there was no cause for alarm and noting that everything was under control.

He warned that police would not allow the protesters to enter any of the protected areas as he reiterated his commitment to ensure the business community goes about their business without fear of looting and destruction.

“We have put in place adequate security measures to check any ugly incident during and after the youth’s peaceful protests within the town’s central business district to avoid destruction of properties,” said Mwanzi.

Armed youths

The police boss’s assurance came as traders in Eldoret supplemented police efforts by hiring youths and arming them with wooden clubs to secure their business premises.

“We are here to protect property from being looted by some criminals disguising themselves as protesters in Eldoret,” said a rungu-wielding youth who declined to be named.

“We will not allow looting of businesses like what happened last year during the anti-Finance Bill protests.”

Tension gripped Molo in Nakuru County as hundreds of youth took to the streets in protest against alleged extrajudicial killings and abductions, bringing business and transport to a standstill.

The demonstrators blocked major roads, including Molo-Nakuru and Molo-Olenguruone, paralysing movement and forcing businesses to remain closed throughout the day.

Burning tyres and barricades marked the town’s key entry points as protesters voiced their grievances against what they described as increasing government repression.

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