Rights groups condemn police roadblocks, arrests during Gen Z memorial protests
By Faith Lagat, June 25, 2026Rights organisations have criticised the National Police Service over the deployment of roadblocks, arrests and use of force during Gen Z memorial protests held across the country on Thursday, June 25.
In a joint statement, the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG), a coalition comprising Amnesty International Kenya, Katiba Institute, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and other civil society organisations, accused security agencies of violating constitutional rights despite earlier assurances that peaceful demonstrations would be facilitated.
The protests were organised to commemorate those who died during the June 2025 demonstrations, with activities reported in several counties across the country.
Groups fault roadblocks and restrictions
The organisations said police mounted roadblocks on major roads leading into Nairobi and around Parliament Buildings, as well as in counties including Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Laikipia and Kiambu.
According to the statement, the restrictions affected access to workplaces, businesses and essential services, which the groups argued infringed on constitutional freedoms, including freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly.
The coalition also noted that the barricades were erected despite a court order barring blanket road closures without notice.
On June 24, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had stated that June 25 would remain a normal working day while assuring Kenyans that police would provide security for peaceful and unarmed demonstrators.
Demonstrations were reported in at least 14 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.
Arrests and injuries reported
The organisations said families of victims of the June 2025 protests were prevented from laying flowers outside Parliament Buildings during memorial activities.
They further alleged that police dispersed mourners and arrested several people following the wreath-laying exercise.
In Nairobi, the coalition said officers fired tear gas at protesters and journalists outside Central Police Station, leading to the detention of several media workers.
The statement also raised concerns over the deployment of masked and unidentified officers during the demonstrations, saying the practice contravenes existing court directives on police identification.
More than 361 people were arrested countrywide, according to the coalition, including 161 in Nairobi and 123 in Kajiado.
Two injuries were reported in Kajiado during the protests.
Call for release of detainees
The PRWG called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arrested during the demonstrations and urged authorities to comply with court orders governing public assemblies.
The coalition also demanded investigations into alleged misconduct by security officers and called for parliamentary oversight of policing operations.
At the same time, the organisations commended police officers in Mombasa for facilitating demonstrations without major incidents, describing the approach as an example of rights-based policing.
“These rights are fundamental pillars of Kenya’s constitutional democracy,” the statement said. “They must be protected at all times.”
The organisations urged the government and security agencies to uphold constitutional protections for peaceful assembly, expression and movement during future demonstrations.