Defiant youth across Kenya took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that shook the country and left several people dead.
In Nairobi, security was tight as police sealed off major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD), including Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue.
The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Zs, commemorated the unprecedented storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024, an event that symbolised public outrage over government policies, economic hardship, and police brutality.
Families of victims, human rights groups, and youth organisations vowed to honour those killed or reported missing during last year’s unrest by returning to the streets in peaceful protest.
Despite government warnings and a heavy police presence, groups of young protesters gathered in various parts of the city, chanting slogans and waving placards bearing the names of victims.
Police deployed wire-mesh fences and barricades to control access to key government installations, including the State House and Parliament.
Protesters light a bonfire along Ronald Ngala Street, Nairobi, as they chanted anti-Ruto slogans. The police police pushed them away from the Central Business District.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures paid tribute to victims of the June 2024 protests, laying wreaths at a police barricade under heavy security.
The leaders had earlier gathered outside Holy Family Basilica for prayers before walking towards Parliament Square, where access was blocked by razor wire and a heavy police presence.
Although they were not allowed to go beyond the barrier, they proceeded to lay flowers, knelt in silence, and offered a short prayer at the edge of the restricted zone.
Several other leaders including Embakasi East Mp Babu Owìno, Former Chief Justice David Maraga and Busia Senator okiyah Omtata also joined the protestors.
Police officers were forced to lob tear gas to disperse protesters along Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, as the crowd surged towards them.
And even with the tear gas in the air, some Kenyans played football near the GPO as police continued to fire canisters towards them.
At Kencom, the crowds who were trying to access City Hall Way were also dispersed.
A crowd was spotted at Nairobi Central Police Station, which has been embroiled in the dispute over the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang.
The mood in the city remains tense as protestors stream in large numbers to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s unrest.
In Mombasa, protesters streamed through the CBD as they marched in commemoration of those killed in the 2024 protests.
The protesters first gathered at ACK Cathedral Church for a memorial service of those who lost their lives during last year's Gen Z protests before proceeding to hold demos in the CBD.
Youths showed up in huge numbers in Nyeri, Nakuru, Embu, Eldoret, Meru and Kilifi as they vowed to end police brutality and seek justice for the fallen heroes. Crowds continue to surge in different cities and towns as the day unfolds.
