Kenya experienced a tense and emotional day on June 25 as thousands of people marked the second anniversary of the historic 2024 anti-government protests that shook the country. Security forces were heavily deployed in Nairobi, Embu, Nakuru, Kisumu, among other places where citizens gathered to commemorate the events of June 2024 with activism, memorial activities and vigils organised by families of victims and activist groups. In some places, businesses remained closed, while transportation services were disrupted as a result of roadblocks and increased police presence.
The protests were not about new political policies, but rather about commemorating June 2024 when thousands of young people gathered to protest against the Finance Bill, rising prices and economic hardships. Those protests represented the biggest event in recent Kenyan history as thousands of people ripped through Parliament and the police cracked down on the protestors resulting in death and injuries. Two years later, civil society and families of victims claim that justice has not yet been adequately served and they continue to seek accountability from those responsible for the violence.
In Nairobi, officers of the security services set up roadblocks on the main approaches to the Central Business District. Entry into key government installations was prevented as the authorities tried to ensure public order. Police officers, anti-riot units and water cannon trucks were positioned at strategic points in the city. Similar security arrangements were reported in other parts of the country where gatherings to mark the anniversary were expected.
Following the invasion of public office and the killing of journalists in 1998, the government has said that demonstrations were allowed within the Framework provided by the Constitution, but officials repeatedly cautioned against damage to property, violence or attempts to block normal economic activities. Security forces said the move was a necessary step to ensure public order and to safeguard protesters and others. But critics accused the authorities of continued tension with parts of the community that remained dissatisfied with reforms and investigations of incidents of the past.
Across the country, while people were commemorating the anniversary, they were also being reminded of other problems that have plagued the country for a long time. While the cost of living, youth employment and jobs, good governance, public accountability and the conduct of police were among the issues at the forefront of the minds of many Kenyans, the country was also being urged to remember the struggles and sacrifices that 2024 brought about. These includable reforms that the country had to change in place to address the problems facing ordinary citizens, according to many.
Political leaders, the student organisation and other civil society groups also convened during the Anniversary commemorations. Police had increased the surveillance of organisers a week before the demonstrations, citing concerns about the potential for unrest. Meanwhile, human rights groups urged the government to promote an atmosphere of transparency and dialogue, rather than confrontation.
As the country commemorated the anniversary, it was also reflecting on how far the country had come since it became a democracy. The country was also reminded that the anniversary commemorations were a reminder of the problems that have plagued the country for so long. It had thus been a commemoration that serves as a reminder of the problems that have plagued the country for so long.
By Nego Nation News Desk
June 25, 2026