Defiant Kenyan Youth Take to the Streets to Commemorate the First Anniversary of the Deadly 2024 Protests
On Wednesday, resolute young individuals across Kenya took to the streets to mark one year since the anti-government protests of 2024, which led to a significant number of casualties.
In Nairobi, security protocols were heightened as police enforced restrictions on major routes into the Central Business District (CBD), including Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue.
The demonstrations, mainly led by Generation Z activists, honored the notable breach of Parliament that occurred on June 25, 2024—a manifestation of widespread public discontent regarding government policies, economic hardships, and police brutality.
Families mourning those who perished or vanished amid last year’s unrest, along with human rights groups and youth organisations, committed to commemorating these individuals through peaceful protests.
Despite stern admonitions from authorities and a considerable law enforcement presence, groups of youthful demonstrators gathered in various urban locations, voicing their slogans and holding signs bearing the names of victims.
Police set up wire-mesh barriers and barricades to control access to significant government sites such as State House and Parliament.
Live Updates:
09:40
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen walked through Nairobi’s CBD accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other high-ranking officials, as protests commenced.
“As you carry out your daily activities, be assured that your safety and well-being are prioritized. We urge those exercising their constitutional right to protest to do so peacefully and without weapons,” he remarked.
09:20
A gathering was reported at Nairobi Central Police Station amidst escalating tensions concerning the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang. In response, police utilized tear gas to disperse participants.
09:00
In Mombasa, protesters marched peacefully toward Saba Saba junction in memory of last year’s tragic occurrences.
The demonstrators initially assembled at ACK Cathedral Church for a memorial service before continuing their marches in the CBD.
08:30
Protests began in Mombasa’s CBD following a memorial service held at ACK Cathedral Church.
06:30
City Hall Way and Wabera Street in Nairobi were noticeably quiet as most locals chose not to enter areas expected for demonstrations. A strong police presence was evident throughout the CBD.
Vehicles approaching from Nyayo Stadium Roundabout were barred from entering the CBD via Uhuru Highway; however, Ladhies Road remained accessible as officers managed traffic flow into downtown.
06:00
Security measures were significantly reinforced early Wednesday morning in Nairobi, with law enforcement obstructing primary roads leading into the Central Business District as Kenya commemorated one year since the impactful Gen Z-led protests that shook the nation in 2024.
Access points such as Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue were completely blocked by wire-mesh fences and barricades established by police.
05:25
Numerous businesses along various streets remained closed. On Ronald Ngala Street, only a few shops opened during morning hours. Most establishments on City Hall Way, Wabera Street, Tom Mboya Street, and Moi Avenue stayed shuttered with minimal pedestrian activity observed.
