Kenyan Police Block Roads Into Nairobi Ahead of Nationwide Protests

Kenyan police sealed off key roads into central Nairobi on 25 June 2026 ahead of planned nationwide protests. BBC News reported that officers set up roadblocks along the Thika Super Highway, Mombasa Road, the Nairobi-Namanga Highway in Athi River, Kenyatta Avenue, Waiyaki Way and Jogoo Road, stranding commuters and leading many businesses and schools to remain closed.

The demonstrations mark two years since the Gen-Z-led protests against proposed tax hikes that culminated in the storming of parliament and the subsequent withdrawal of the finance bill.

Protesters are demanding justice for more than 80 people killed and dozens injured during the 2024 events and the 2025 anniversary protests. Footage from a local television station showed flames and smoke in the Githurai area near Nairobi, where protesters lit fires and police fired tear gas to disperse crowds.

Several people were arrested by anti-riot police while attempting to reach the city centre.

President William Ruto stated on Friday that people had a right to protest but warned that anyone mobilised to destroy property or cause chaos would not be tolerated. Last week he announced a fund of nearly $15 million to compensate nearly 2,000 victims of protest-related human rights abuses between 2017 and 2025.

Ruto said the compensation was not a price for life, pain or loss and should not be seen as rewarding violence or criminality.

Human rights organisations rejected the plan, citing the exclusion of some victims, inadequate payouts and a lack of transparency. Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa joined families of the victims to lay a wreath at parliament.