Parliament barricaded with barbed wire as Gen Z anniversary protests begin in Kenya
via Tuko2 min read
Kenyan youth have initiated anniversary protests across the country to commemorate over 60 Gen Zs who died during the June 25, 2024 demonstrations. These earlier protests were a response to a controversial Finance Bill that was passed by the National Assembly despite widespread rejection. The government has issued conflicting statements regarding the planned demonstrations; Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged receiving notice of the protests, while Nairobi Region Police Commander Issa Mohammed denied it. Police have barricaded major roads leading to the Nairobi Central Business District, including Thika Superhighway, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, and Mombasa Road, to prevent protesters from accessing the capital. Access to the CBD is restricted to essential service providers. Surveillance has been increased around government installations, particularly the Parliament buildings, where roads are blocked with barbed wire and police officers are stationed to confront protesters.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has denied claims that police blocked major roads leading to Nairobi's Central Business District CBD during protests on Thursday, June 25. Masengeli stated that security officers were conducting checks to ensure the safety of Kenyans and that many roads around the city remained open. He clarified that the police presence was for security checks, not to restrict movement, and that officers were facilitating citizens. Masengeli reported that the country remained calm with citizens conducting their daily activities undisturbed. He urged the public to act lawfully during gatherings or demonstrations and assured that the National Police Service would safeguard all Kenyans.
Must ReadProtesters recently offered comfort to Jacinta Onyango, the mother of 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango, who was killed in Ongata Rongai during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests. Jacinta joined demonstrators as they commemorated the deaths of young people during past demonstrations. Accompanied by activists and opposition leaders, wreaths were laid on the barbed wire barricading parliament buildings. Jacinta Onyango demanded justice for her son and appealed to President William Ruto to ensure no victims were subjected to tear gas during the remembrance. She stated, "We need justice. I want to see the person who killed my son. So I can forgive him. He was only 12 years old." Protesters sang and hugged her, offering support. A government pathologist, Peter Ndegwa, reported that Kennedy died from a single bullet wound that caused severe hemorrhage, severing arteries and veins and puncturing his lungs. This report contradicted family claims that he was shot multiple times. Meanwhile, Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed several arrests across the country and urged protesters to remain calm. Roads leading to Nairobi CBD were blocked, with Mohamud explaining this was to prevent thugs from accessing key infrastructure, not peaceful demonstrators.
Must ReadOpposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, James Orengo, and David Maraga, along with families of victims from the June 2024 anti-government protests, laid wreaths on barbed wire barricades surrounding Kenya's parliament. This symbolic tribute honored those who died during the demonstrations. Heavily armed police prevented the group from accessing the parliament, forcing them to place the wreaths on the razor wire. The event, part of the commemoration of the June 25 protests, saw relatives, activists, and political leaders call for justice and accountability for those killed and injured. Participants observed moments of silence and carried flowers, photographs, and placards bearing the names of the deceased.