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Police in Kenya have sealed off key roads leading into central Nairobi ahead of planned nationwide protests marking two years since the deadly Gen-Z-led anti-government demonstrations.<\/p>\n
Thousands of Kenyans protested against proposed tax hikes in June 2024, culminating in the storming of parliament and the eventual withdrawal of the controversial finance bill.<\/p>\n
Protesters say they are demanding justice for more than 80 people killed and dozens more injured during the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations and last year’s anniversary protests.<\/p>\n
Commuters were left stranded on Thursday morning after security forces blocked access to the city centre, while many businesses and schools remained closed<\/p>\n
The planned protests, largely mobilised through social media platforms, are expected to take place in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa and parts of central Kenya.<\/p>\n
Security agencies have heightened surveillance in major urban centres ahead of the protests, with police expected to maintain a heavy presence in Nairobi and strategic installations.<\/p>\n
Early on Thursday, police mounted roadblocks along the Thika Super Highway, Mombasa Road, the Nairobi-Namanga Highway in Athi River, Kenyatta Avenue, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, and other major routes, preventing motorists and pedestrians from accessing the city centre.<\/p>\n
Authorities have urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid acts of violence, looting, or destruction of property.<\/p>\n
President William Ruto on Friday said people had a right to protest but warned that anyone “mobilised to destroy property or cause chaos” would not be tolerated.<\/p>\n
Several political leaders, civil society groups, and human rights organisations have expressed support for peaceful demonstrations, describing them as part of democratic expression protected under the country’s onstitution.<\/p>\n
Ruto’s former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, now a bitter rival, has urged Gen Z activists to stay away from the streets, citing concerns that the protests could turn violent. Instead, he has called on Kenyans to remain at home in a symbolic show of dissent.<\/p>\n
Last week, President Ruto announced a fund of nearly $15m (\u00a311m) to compensate nearly 2,000 victims of protest-related human rights abuses between 2017 and 2025 identified by rights groups.<\/p>\n
Ruto said the compensation was not a “price for life, pain or loss” and should not be seen as rewarding violence or criminality.<\/p>\n
However, human rights organisations have rejected the compensation plan, citing the exclusion of some victims, inadequate pay-outs and a lack of transparency.<\/p>\n
President Ruto is facing growing public discontent ahead of the 2027 elections, with critics accusing his government of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.<\/p>\n
He rejects those claims, insisting his administration has fulfilled most of its pledges and saying he is ready to defend its record as he seeks re-election.<\/p>\n