Police on Thursday morning reportedly barricaded key entry points into Nairobi and blocked several major highways.
According to reports, this disrupted transport as thousands of commuters were left stranded, as nationwide demonstrations marked the second anniversary of the Roadblocks and Gen Z protests got underway.
Roadblocks were mounted along sections of Mombasa Road, Thika Road and Lang’ata Road, while routes linking Nairobi to Athi River and Mlolongo were also affected as security agencies intensified operations across the capital.
Public transport services were also disrupted with many matatus unable to access the Nairobi Central Business District during the morning rush hour.
Police block Nairobi CBD ahead of June 25 protests
Police have also reportedly mounted several roadblocks at Ruiru, Bypass, Allsops and Roysambu.
Additionally, police in Ongata Rongai have mounted several roadblocks at the Tumaini area and Maasai Lodge, essentially blocking residents from leaving the area for the capital.
The closures come despite the government insisting today, June 25, would be a normal working day.
The proests are being held to commemorate the June 25, 2024, Gen Z demonstrations that culminated in the breach of Parliament during nationwide protests against the Finance Bill.
The demonstrations are taking place amid heightened concern from security agencies over the possibility of criminal groups infiltrating otherwise peaceful protests.
Initially, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has received a notification for a peaceful protests.
However, senior police officers denied receiving such a notification.
