Police disrupt opposition leaders’ march in honour of Gen Z protest victims
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 25, 2026Police on Thursday, June 25, 2026, disrupted a symbolic march by opposition leaders and civil society activists who had gathered in Nairobi to honour victims of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests.
Through a public address system, officers were heard repeatedly warning the crowd to vacate the area
“Kwa mara ya mwisho, watu waondoke mara moja,” the police ordered.
The leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Willy Mutunga, Eugene Wamalwa and James Orengo, had joined families, activists and young protesters in a march towards Parliament Buildings to commemorate those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
The procession, which carried flowers and placards bearing the names of victims, was intended as a peaceful tribute marking the second anniversary of the historic Gen Z-led protests that culminated in demonstrators breaching Parliament on June 25, 2024. The incident triggered a deadly confrontation that left several people dead and many others injured.
As the group attempted to proceed towards Parliament, police officers blocked their path and ordered members of the public to disperse, resulting in a brief standoff between opposition leaders, activists and security personnel.
Leaders flee for safety
The situation quickly turned chaotic as security officers advanced on the gathering. In the ensuing confusion, Siaya Governor James Orengo was forced to flee the area aboard a boda boda to avoid the police operation. Meanwhile, Martha Karua managed to make her way into her waiting vehicle and leave the scene as officers moved in to clear the area.
Speaking during the commemoration, the leaders accused the government of attempting to suppress public remembrance of the events of June 25, 2024, insisting that the sacrifices made by the victims should not be forgotten.
The march came amid heightened security across Nairobi, with major roads leading to the Central Business District and Parliament heavily barricaded by police ahead of planned anniversary demonstrations. Businesses remained largely closed in parts of the city centre as authorities sought to prevent unrest.
The June 25 anniversary has emerged as a powerful symbol for Kenya’s youth movement, with activists calling for justice for victims, accountability for alleged police excesses and continued pressure for governance reforms.
As tensions remained high in the capital, opposition leaders vowed to continue honouring the victims and pushing for what they described as the protection of constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and protest.