Nairobi Police Seal Key Roads Ahead of Gen‑Z Protest Showdown
Police in Kenya have sealed off key roads leading into central Nairobi ahead of planned nationwide protests marking two years since the deadly Gen‑Z‑led anti‑tax demonstrations.
The move has already grounded thousands of commuters; traffic on Thika Super Highway, Mombasa Road, Nairobi‑Namanga Highway, Kenyatta Avenue and other major routes has been redirected to peripheral streets. Schools and businesses in the city centre remained closed, reflecting the heightened security posture.
The protests arise from the 2024 tax bill, which bankrupted government debt and saw public rallies erupt into violent clashes that claimed more than 80 lives. Victims’ families now demand justice and reparations. Several parents have urged the government to allow peaceful memorials, stressing that the streets “need not turn into battlegrounds”.
President William Ruto on Friday reiterated that citizens have the right to protest, but the government would not tolerate those “mobilised to destroy property or cause chaos.” He also announced a $15 million fund to compensate nearly 2,000 victims of protest‑related abuses between 2017 and 2025. The plan has drawn criticism for its limited scope and lack of transparency.
Security agencies are magnifying surveillance in Nairobi’s urban hubs, with anti‑riot units firing tear gas at gathered crowds and arresting protesters attempting to enter the city centre. The government has called for a peaceful demonstration, while opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, have joined memorial wreaths at Parliament.
The crackdown comes just weeks before the 2027 presidential election, risking political fallout for Ruto’s coalition. He maintains that his track record is impeccable, ready to defend his administration amid growing public discontent.
