Businesses remain shut in Nairobi CBD as commemorative protests marking two years since Juen 25, 2024 demonstrations unfolded/ENOS TECHE Business activity in Nairobi’s central business district remained largely paralysed as commemorative protests marking two years since the June 25, 2024 demonstrations unfolded under heightened security deployment.
Most streets in the city centre appeared unusually quiet on Thursday, with photos seen by the Star showing largely empty roads and reduced movement of both pedestrians and vehicles.
Many businesses remained closed while others had yet to resume operations during the mid morning hours.
The slowdown contrasted sharply with Nairobi CBD’s usual weekday activity, which is typically characterised by heavy commuter traffic and busy commercial operations.
Security deployment remained visible across different sections of the city centre.
Police officers were stationed at key points while patrol vehicles and trucks moved through parts of the CBD as authorities monitored developments.
Along Kenyatta Avenue, police vehicles were seen conducting patrols as movement remained limited.
Some officers mounted on horses were also seen patrolling sections of Moi Avenue.
Some officers mounted on horses seen patrolling sections of Moi Avenue/ ENOS TECHE
Roadblock erected along the Jogoo Road around City Stadium roundabout as security agencies heighten preparedness ahead of the anticipated Gen Z anniversary protests on June 25, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY
The heightened security presence came amid commemorative activities linked to the June 25, 2024 protests.
Despite the heavy deployment, only a handful of protesters were visible in parts of the city during the morning hours.
Near the University of Nairobi footbridge area, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli was seen at the scene.
Masengeli briefly engaged with a group that appeared to include boda boda operators and business people as police maintained deployment around the area.
Across the city centre, officers remained stationed along roads and access points while movement continued at reduced levels.
Some areas that ordinarily attract large numbers of commuters remained noticeably less busy.
Pedestrians who were present moved in small numbers while sections of the roads remained open under security monitoring.
The visible police deployment extended across several sections of the
capital as authorities continued monitoring movement during the commemorative
events.
Businesses shut, empty streets at Nairobi CBD as commemorative protests marking two years since June 25, 2024 demonstrations unfold/DOUGLAS OKIDDY
DIG Gilbert Masengeli engages Nairobi CBD business operators as commemorative protests marking two years since June 25, 2024 demonstrations unfold/ENOS TECHE
Businesses shut, empty streets at Nairobi CBD as commemorative protests marking two years since June 25, 2024 demonstrations unfold/DOUGLAS OKIDDY
