The nationwide protests marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 demonstrations unfolded in at least 27 counties with a mix of defiance, grief and chaos.
Kenyans turned out in massive numbers to demand justice for those killed during last year’s deadly protests and to renew calls for accountability, police reform and economic relief.
Demonstrations were reported in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nyeri, Embu, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Laikipia, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Kiambu.
Protests were also reported in Taita-Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu, Narok, Busia, Kisii, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Bungoma and Kericho.
In Mombasa, police lobbed teargas at protesters and fired warning shots into the air. There was a brief altercation in the central business district.
Youth protest on the streets of Kakamega town on June 25, 2025 in honour of demonstrators who were killed last year.
Photo credit: .Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
The day began with an interfaith service at ACK Memorial Cathedral where prayers were said for the people who lost their lives last year.
Protesters carrying Kenyan flags exchanged roses, regardless of religion. They held placards calling for justice and reform.
“Let us not provoke law enforcers or harm others,” said Rev Ezekiel Mogere during the service.
“Our protests were peaceful. We wanted to mourn three of our comrades who died during the 2024 anti–Finance Bill protests,” said activist Francis Auma.
In Lamu, demonstrators peacefully marched through the Old Town towards Jua Kali and the Mangrove Seafront Hotel, concluding at Mkunguni Square.
Ms Kauthar Abubakar, the Lamu County coordinator for Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri), condemned the killings of innocent youth during protests.
As Gen Zs marks the anniversary of their June 2024 protests, the nation must reckon with what has and hasn't changed.
Photo credit: File | Nation
In Taita-Taveta, youths gathered in Voi town but were told to leave by the police. Youth leader Kasim Bakari said that they did not notify the authorities about their march as required by law.
In Eldoret, a police lorry was set ablaze in Huruma area and at least 13 people were hospitalised with injuries after clashing with armed goons. Protesters blocked parts of the busy Eldoret-Uganda highway, transport was paralysed and businesses were shut.
A protester holding a police shield along Banda Street in Nairobi.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
There was a heavy presence of police. Men armed with clubs could be heard chanting; “No demos in Eldoret!” They attacked a rival group and police intervened to prevent a deadly clash.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Philip Kirwa said they had received 13 patients with injuries.
“They are under evaluation, and a majority will be discharged after medical attention,” he told Daily Nation.
Eldoret-based human rights activist Richard Ratuk accused local politicians of hiring goons to disrupt the demonstrations.
Baniyas Square, a popular club in Eldoret, which was looted during last year’s protests, was again targeted by demonstrators. Police camped at the premises.
Earlier in the day, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said that no permits had been issued for protests.
In Nyahururu, several people were injured after protests were hijacked by over 400 goons.
In Nakuru, businesses along Kenyatta Avenue were closed. The police lobbed teargas at the protesters, but were overwhelmed at some point. Protesters looted Total Petrol Station along Kenyatta Avenue.
In Narok County, peaceful demonstrations turned violent when the police attempted to disperse the crowd using teargas.
In Karatina in Nyeri County, protesters overpowered police officers. In Nyeri town, looters tried to invade Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina’s Chieni Supermarket after officers took to their heels.
In Kisumu, opposition leader Raila Odinga’s backyard, a group, reportedly linked to influential local leaders, interrupted a press conference held by protesters. In Homa Bay and Siaya counties, there was relative calm, but in Kisii County, protesters lit bonfires.
Protests in Busia, Bungoma and Kakamega turned violent. Vihiga County, the home of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, remained largely peaceful
Reporting by Jurgen Nambeka, Kalume Kazungu, Lucy Mkanyika, Titus Ominde, Macharia Mwangi, Jared Nyataya, Waikwa Maina, Mercy Koskei, John Njoroge, Joseph Openda, Tobias Messo, Rushdie Oudhia, Shaban Makokha, George Odiwuor, Wycliffe Nyaberi , Kassim Adinasi, David Muchui, Stephen Munyiri, Mercy Mwende, Mwangi Muiruri, George Munene, Manase Otsialo and Mwangi Ndirangu
