Politicians, student leaders and community organisers under govt radar over planned June 25 protests
By Francis Muli, June 24, 2026A wide network of politicians, university student leaders, activists and community organisers has come under increased government scrutiny ahead of the planned June 25 demonstrations commemorating victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
According to security reports seen by People Daily Digital, authorities are monitoring mobilisation efforts in Nairobi and at least 16 counties amid concerns that the commemorative events could evolve into widespread demonstrations and possible confrontations in several urban centres.
The brief indicates that security agencies believe opposition-aligned politicians and pressure groups are playing a central role in organising activities leading up to the protests.
Authorities claim some political actors have divided key mobilisation corridors within Nairobi, including Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road and Jogoo Road, in a bid to maximise turnout.
The report further alleges that organisers are relying heavily on youth networks, university students, civil society organisations and community-based movements to mobilise participants.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, announced that the government was aware that criminals are being mobilised to attack businesses owned by leaders and businesspeople associated with the government.
“We also have intelligence indicating that, in several counties neighbouring Nairobi, criminals are being mobilised to attack businesses owned by leaders and businesspeople associated with the government as a way of sending a message. The motive is because they have refused to support certain politicians financially and their political ideologies,” Murkomen stated.
Universities under watch
Security agencies have also flagged student leaders and representatives from several public universities, including institutions in Nairobi, Eldoret and the Rift Valley region, over alleged mobilisation efforts targeting students.
According to the report, some student leaders are encouraging participation in the demonstrations through campus-based networks and social media platforms.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the role of youth-led movements that have emerged since the 2024 anti-government protests, many of which have continued to advocate for governance reforms, accountability and social justice.
The intelligence assessment identifies a coalition of youth movements that are reportedly coordinating activities under a broader umbrella organisation, with plans ranging from public gatherings and memorial events to candle-lighting ceremonies in Nairobi.
Nairobi CBD
Security agencies have identified Nairobi’s Central Business District as the primary area of concern.
Planned activities are expected around Parliament Road, the National Archives precinct and Jevanjee Gardens, where organisers intend to hold commemorative events marking the anniversary of last year’s protests.
The report also points to mobilisation efforts in residential estates including Embakasi and along major transport corridors leading into the capital.
Beyond Nairobi, intelligence officers have flagged potential protest activity in Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Makueni, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Nakuru, Laikipia, Mombasa, Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, Trans-Nzoia, Tharaka-Nithi and Narok counties.
Potential hotspots identified include Thika Town, Githurai, Machakos Town, Mlolongo, Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Ngong, Karatina, Wote, Emali, Nakuru CBD, Naivasha, Gilgil, Njoro, Molo, Kitale, Eldoret, Kisumu City and Narok Town.
Disruptions
The intelligence brief further alleges that some organisers in parts of Nakuru, Makueni, Narok, Laikipia and Kajiado counties are mobilising youths for demonstrations that could involve road barricades and disruptions to transport and business operations.
Authorities are also investigating reports that criminal elements may attempt to infiltrate demonstrations and exploit the gatherings for looting, vandalism and attacks on public infrastructure.
Several community leaders, political aspirants and activists from Nakuru, Narok, Laikipia, Makueni, Nyamira, Vihiga and Mombasa counties have reportedly been placed under observation as part of ongoing security assessments.
Civil society activities
The report indicates that several civil society organisations are amplifying victim-centred narratives surrounding the June 2024 protests as part of broader awareness campaigns ahead of the anniversary.
Security agencies claim these campaigns are receiving support from local and international partners involved in governance, democracy and human rights programmes.
One community justice initiative operating in Nairobi’s Eastlands area has also been flagged in the report over plans for a campaign linked to the June 25 commemorations.
Security agencies on alert
The intelligence assessment comes as police intensify security preparations ahead of the anniversary, which is expected to attract large crowds in major towns and cities.
Government officials have repeatedly stated that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration but have warned against violence, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities.
The June 25 anniversary marks two years since thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to protest the Finance Bill, demonstrations that culminated in the storming of Parliament and left dozens dead and many others injured.
As the country prepares for the commemorations, security agencies remain on high alert amid fears that the events could trigger fresh unrest if infiltrated by criminal elements or if confrontations arise between protesters and law enforcement officers.