Despite police barricades on major roads, large crowds of protesters have flooded the city, forcing police to lob tear gas to disperse them.
Huge crowds were seen marching along Moi Avenue, with police engaging in running battles with protesters along University Way, where some had camped outside Central Police Station.
Police also lobbed tear gas on protesters along Kimathi Street near the Stanley Hotel, sending demonstrators scattering for safety.
In Mombasa, crowds gathered and marched through the city centre, waving Kenyan flags and chanting slogans.
Earlier, in Nairobi, protesters converged at the Kenya National Archives and chanted the names of young Kenyans allegedly killed by police during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), assured Kenyans of their safety.
“As you go about your daily activities, be assured that your safety and the protection of your livelihoods are our top priority,” he said.
"For those who will turn up to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate, we urge them to do so peacefully and unarmed as provided for in our laws. Peace is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation; let us all join hands to uphold it.”
The Gen Z protesters are demonstrating against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and abductions allegedly carried out by security forces across the country.
The June 25 protests mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
A heavy police presence was reported across Nairobi and other major towns on Wednesday, as the country prepared to commemorate the events of last year.
The day was earmarked by activists and civil society groups for renewed protests—this time focusing on police brutality and accountability.
Key access roads to Nairobi’s CBD were sealed off early in the morning, disrupting transport and forcing commuters to disembark at designated drop-off points.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from Mombasa Road terminated their routes at Haile Selassie Avenue and Nyayo House roundabouts, while those from Thika Road stopped at Globe Roundabout.
