Thousands of Kenyans are today taking to the streets in a solemn and defiant show of unity, commemorating the young lives lost during the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. The demonstrations, which shook the nation last year, claimed at least 60 lives—most of them Gen Z youth—while leaving scores injured and others reportedly missing.
Today’s protest, dubbed a “March for Justice,” is both a memorial and a renewed demand for accountability. Organisers have called for a peaceful procession through Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), with flower-laying ceremonies and letter deliveries to key government offices.
Heavy Police Presence and Roadblocks
Despite assurances from protest leaders that the march would remain peaceful, the State has responded with heightened security measures. As early as 5:00 am, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen convened an emergency meeting with top police commanders, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
In a sweeping operation across Nairobi, major roads were sealed off, effectively paralysing transport into the CBD. Roadblocks were mounted along key access routes:
- Jogoo Road: Blockade near City Stadium
- Mombasa Road: Checkpoints near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Limuru Road: Roadblock near the Embassy of Israel
- Kiambu Road: Barricade near Runda Mall
- Ngong Road & Kenyatta Avenue: Closures causing traffic snarl-ups
Access to Parliament and other government buildings has been heavily restricted. Bunge Towers is currently ring-fenced with anti-riot police, and water cannons are stationed on standby, a stark reminder of last year’s breach where protesters gained access to the Parliament complex.
Protesters’ Agenda: Peaceful, Purposeful
Led largely by youth movements, civil rights organisations, and families of victims, the protest centres around three main activities:
- Flower-laying ceremony outside Parliament to honour the deceased.
- Delivery of official petitions to the Office of the President and Parliament along Harambee Avenue.
- Procession through key streets, including Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Mama Ngina Street, and Harambee Avenue.
A notable development from today’s march is the launch of the People’s Justice Commission, an independent initiative aimed at pursuing justice for those who died during the protests. Former Attorney General and Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has been named as the Chairperson.
“The lives lost last year cannot be forgotten,” said one protest organiser. “This is not just about the past. It’s about building a country where protesting injustice doesn’t cost you your life.”
Security Fears Amidst Peaceful Pledge
Security agencies remain concerned about potential infiltration by criminal elements or “goons,” particularly after last week’s chaos during the memorial for Albert Ojwang, a youth who died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody.
Still, youth leaders have reiterated their commitment to nonviolence. “This is a silent march with a loud message,” tweeted one Gen Z organizer.