Intelligence reports warning of possible violence and infiltration of planned Gen Z anniversary protests by organised criminal groups triggered an unprecedented police operation that effectively sealed off Nairobi and prevented thousands of demonstrators from accessing the city centre on Thursday.
Acting on what Inspector-General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja described as credible security intelligence, police mounted roadblocks on major highways leading into the capital before dawn, screened motorists and passengers and blocked public service vehicles from entering the Central Business District in one of the most extensive security deployments witnessed in recent years.
The operation transformed Nairobi into a heavily controlled security zone, with access routes from Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way and other major corridors subjected to strict police checks.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho speaks to the media in Kitengela Town following an assessment tour during the second anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations. The area remained relatively calm.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Thousands of commuters were stranded while many would be protesters were unable to reach the city centre.
Speaking after conducting a security assessment tour of Nairobi, Mlolongo and Kitengela, Mr Kanja defended the operation, saying security agencies had received intelligence indicating that peaceful demonstrations could be infiltrated by organised groups intent on causing violence, looting and destruction of property.
“Our country is safe and secure. From the north to south, east to west. The security agencies acted promptly after receiving intelligence reports. The measures taken were aimed at preventing violence and protecting lives and property,” said Mr Kanja
The IG maintained that the National Police Service supports peaceful demonstrations as guaranteed under the Constitution but warned that authorities would not tolerate protests that degenerate into lawlessness.
“Kenyans are entitled to peaceful picketing as provided for in the Constitution but not chaotic demonstrations that lead to violence, destruction and looting. Due process will be followed for those who were arrested. No one will be victimised but those who will be found culpable of any wrongdoing will be prosecuted,” he said.
Protesters march towards the Central Police Station in Nairobi on June 25, 2026, during the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z anti-Finance Bill protests.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Mr Kanja was accompanied by Deputy Inspector-General Gilbert Masengeli and other senior police commanders during the tour, which included areas that have previously experienced violent confrontations between protesters and police.
The June 25 demonstrations had been organised by Gen Z activists and families of victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests to commemorate those killed, injured or affected during last year's unrest.
While police maintained that the security operation was necessary to avert violence, the extensive roadblocks significantly disrupted movement and business activities, particularly in Nairobi and its satellite towns.
In Mlolongo, police erected roadblocks along Mombasa Road and conducted rigorous checks on motorists and passengers, causing major traffic snarl-ups and leaving travellers stranded for hours.
"A lot of people are stranded here. Many are trying to travel but cannot get to their destinations because of the roadblocks," said Dennis Nyabuto, a tout at Cabanas route.
Some public service vehicles that continued operating reportedly increased fares amid the transport disruption.
Police officers stop a tourist service vehicle for security check up at Kangemi along Wayaki way.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
In Kitengela, businesses remained closed for much of the morning as traders feared possible looting associated with previous demonstrations. Traffic along the Namanga Highway was noticeably light, with most transit trucks remaining parked at the Namanga One Stop Border Point.
“I woke up to hawk eggs only to find almost empty streets. We fear the heavy police contingent in town as most business owners feared possible looting and opted not to open,” said trader said Pascal Muthoki.
The town has witnessed chaos in previous demonstratiions which resulted in deaths, vandalism and looting.
Police also arrested 123 youths in Kitengela over alleged incitement ahead of the protests. Among those arrested was Aslam Longton, one of the individuals linked to the widely publicised "Kitengela Three" case.
Human rights activist Bob Njagi had been arrested on Wednesday and was expected to face incitement-related charges although he had not been arraigned by the time of going to press.
Kajiado County Police Commander Alex Shikondi confirmed the arrests saying those detained would be processed and arraigned upon completion of investigations.
A lorry with anti-riot police parked outside Kisumu Central Police Station on June 25, 2026, during the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z anti-Finance Bill protests.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
"We will not allow unlawful protests. We have several individuals on our radar not only in Kitengela but across the county," said Mr Shikondi.
Despite isolated incidents and heightened security deployments, police said most parts of the country remained calm throughout the day as authorities maintained a strong presence in areas considered potential protest hotspots.
