Kenyan Police Set Up Roadblocks Around Nairobi Ahead of Planned Protest

Police in Kenya set up roadblocks on Thursday on all major highways around the capital, Nairobi, blocking motorists from entering the city ahead of a planned demonstration. The protest is scheduled to mark two years since at least 60 people died during anti-government demonstrations that included the storming of parliament.

Families of those killed have stated they will protest delays in compensation and justice for the victims.

Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said Wednesday that police would escort the protesters but warned that individuals disguised as demonstrators would not be permitted to raid businesses. On Thursday morning, police erected the roadblocks, and parliament buildings remained barricaded while many businesses stayed closed.

Opposition leaders have supported the planned protests and called for transparency in the government's compensation program. Edith Wanjiku, whose 19-year-old son Ibrahim Kamau was killed by two gunshots to the neck during the June 2024 protests, said her family has submitted all required paperwork to the Kenya Human Rights Commission but has not yet received compensation.

"Only two out of 10 families whose children were shot that day near Parliament have been compensated and we are wondering what criteria the government is using," she said. Wanjiku added that her family has suffered emotionally for the past two years.

The 2024 protests involved thousands of young Kenyans entering the parliament building to oppose a finance bill that proposed tax increases amid rising living costs. Police opened fire outside the building, resulting in dozens of deaths.