Today, Kenyans across 47 counties took to the streets for the June 25 anniversary protests. The protests are in commemoration of 60 Gen Zs who lost their lives during the Finance Bill 2024 protests.
What began as peaceful marches soon turned volatile in some areas. Below is a methodical, county-by-county summary that’s clear, detailed, and human in tone:
Nairobi
- Early Start & Heavy Security: Thousands of protesters gathered from 7 AM. Police sealed off major roads to the CBD, State House, and Parliament with razor wire and barricades. Crowds from Kiambu and Thika Road are still marching into the CBD.
- Politicians: Former Chief Justice David Maraga, MP Babu Owino, and Senators Okiya Omtatah and Crystal Asige are in attendance.
- Tear Gas & Clashes: Heavy tear gas deployment in downtown Nairobi. A female police officer was seriously injured after protesters attacked her.
- Injuries Reported: One protester lost a hand when a tear-gas canister exploded in his hands. Another lady was hit by a teargas canister on the mouth, and she was rushed to hospital, bleeding. Two people with gunshot wounds rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital.
Machakos (Matuu town)
- One protester reportedly shot dead and four others are nursing gunshot wounds after police opened fire. The Unarmed protesters tried to storm Matuu Police Station. Police responded with live rounds.
- Injured Hospitalized: Victims were taken to nearby health facilities. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying .
Kitengela (Kajiado)
- Demonstrators blocked the Nairobi–Namanga highway. They used stones and lit tyres. Tear gas was deployed during two-hour clashes with police .
Eldoret (Uasin Gishu)
- Gen Z youths marched through Eldoret’s CBD.
- Eyewitnesses say clashes erupted when protesters confronted baton-wielding goons.
- Aerial Footage: Showed armed men entering the protest zone, escalating tensions.
Mombasa
- The day started with a mass at ACK Cathedral. A memorial march followed, concluding peacefully at Mapembeni to honour last year’s June 25 victims.
Kisii
- Protesters lit bonfires and engaged police in running battles. The atmosphere remains tense .
Nyeri
- Large, peaceful crowds filled Nyeri’s streets. Demonstrators chanted for justice without major incidents.
Kisumu
- Activity levels were low. Most businesses open; smaller shops closed for safety.
Makueni
- Protesters blocked the Mombasa–Nairobi highway with bonfires. Tear gas was used to disperse them.
Embu
- In the Cylet area, protesters lit fires. Anti-riot police deployed to monitor but no major clas
- hes yet.
Kiambu (Ruiru, Thika Road)
- Demonstrators blocked part of Thika Road near Tatu City. Bonfires lit and traffic disrupted.
Nakuru, Limuru & Kimende
- Limuru and Kimende had highway blockades and fires on the Nairobi–Nakuru route, causing disruptions.
Bungoma & Busia
- Bungoma: Small gathering at Chwele Market; calm so far.
- Busia, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Migori: Protests confirmed, details still emerging.
By Vivian K.