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A huge crowd has gathered along State House Road in Nairobi as Gen Z-led protests reached a fever pitch following a tense day of clashes with police.
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Thousands of demonstrators, who had earlier been blocked from approaching State House, managed to breach security barriers and take control of sections of the area.
The group, which initially converged at Uhuru Park, forced their way past police roadblocks along State House Road, aiming to advance toward the heavily fortified presidential residence.
The protesters, mobilized primarily through social media platforms, had vowed to reach State House as part of commemorations marking the anniversary of last year’s deadly June 25 anti-government protests.
A significant deployment of anti-riot police has been stationed near State House, which is classified as a protected zone and off-limits to unauthorized individuals under Kenyan law.
This is the first time protesters have successfully marched along State House Road. In 2024, a similar wave of demonstrations saw protesters breach Parliament grounds amid chaotic scenes.
Ahead of the demonstrations, police had issued stern warnings against attempts to access restricted zones.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reminded the public that while the Constitution protects the right to demonstrate, protests must remain peaceful and within public spaces.
“Kenyans are free to protest, but it must be within the confines of public areas. Anything else amounts to unlawful assembly,” IG Kanja said.
“The National Police Service will firmly and lawfully prevent any attempts to breach the peace by individuals or groups acting outside the law. Accessing protected zones without clearance is prohibited under the Protected Areas Act (Cap 204, Laws of Kenya),” he added.
The police chief also cautioned the public against provoking officers while they are carrying out their duties.
The demonstrations are part of nationwide events marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests, during which at least 60 people lost their lives.
Gen Z protesters say they are standing up against high taxation, rampant corruption, poor governance, and the chronic underfunding of higher education institutions.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has backed the demonstrators, urging security forces to exercise restraint and warning that excessive force would only worsen the situation.
