Police in Kenya have sealed off major roads leading into central Nairobi after the country announced a two‑year anniversary of the 2024 anti‑tax protests.
Barricades of razor wire were seen outside a government building, with armed officers standing guard, blocking access to the city centre and causing commuters to be stranded. Hundreds of motorists and pedestrians were prevented from reaching the heart of Nairobi and many nearby businesses shuttered for the day.
The 2024 protests saw more than 80 people killed and dozens wounded during clashes over the controversial tax bill that was ultimately withdrawn after nationwide unrest. A wave of Gen‑Z activists, organised through social media, is expected to march in Nairobi, Mombasa and other major towns.
President William Ruto issued a statement saying people have the right to protest but warned that “those mobilised to destroy property or cause chaos” would be dealt with firmly. He also announced a fund of almost $15m to compensate nearly 2,000 victims of protest‑related abuses between 2017 and 2025.
Political leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa joined families of victims to lay wreaths at Parliament in tribute to those who died in the 2024 demonstrations, demanding a peaceful remembrance without tear‑gas or armed clashes.
The Kenyan government is maintaining a heavy presence on major routes – including the Thika Super Highway, Mombasa Road, and Kenyatta Avenue – while also encouraging protestors to stay at home so that narratives of dissent can continue without outright violence.
