Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has urged Kenyan youths to keep safe, even as they head out to the streets to protest in remembrance of those killed during the June 2024 protest.
The governor said she was sending Gen Zs hugs and love, while at it.
“Sending hugs and motherly love; be safe, my children,” Wavinya said.
The protests, which erupted in June 2024, were driven by outrage over what many viewed as punitive taxation under the now-infamous Finance Bill.
Dozens were killed or injured in the weeks-long standoff between police and defiant protesters, most of them youth.
Lobby groups placed the number of deaths at over 61, while official government data puts the number of deaths at 42.
On Tuesday, Police warned protesters to refrain from accessing protected areas during the planned Wednesday, June 25 protests.
Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja said that Kenyans have a right to picket but should do that in public areas.
IG Kanja said police will at all times prevent any breach of peace by any group or groups of persons acting unlawfully.
“Any contrary conduct constitutes an unlawful and riotous assembly. The National Police Service shall at all times lawfully and firmly prevent any breach of peace by any group or groups of persons, acting contrary to the provisions of the law. Additionally, it is important to note that unauthorised persons must refrain from accessing protected areas under the Protected Areas Act (Cap 204, Laws of Kenya),” he said.
He urged Kenyans to refrain from provoking police officers while executing their duties.
In Nairobi, access to Parliament and its surrounding areas has been heavily restricted, with roads sealed off and most shops in the Central Business District remaining closed amid heightened security.
A section of the Parliament Building has been barricaded using razor wire, while officers on the ground have turned away several vehicles attempting to enter the CBD.
Heavy police deployment has been reported in key parts of Nairobi’s Central Business District ahead of planned protests expected later in the day.
Officers in full gear have been stationed along Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and around the National Archives area, although no crowd activity had been observed as of the time of reporting.
