NAIROBI — Kenyan police sealed major roads into Nairobi on Thursday as small groups of protesters gathered to mark the second anniversary of deadly demonstrations against a government finance bill.
Authorities blocked key highways and access routes to the central business district and Parliament buildings ahead of planned marches commemorating victims of the 2024 protests. Police arrested hundreds of demonstrators nationwide, according to officials and media reports.
The actions came as families of those killed and activists sought to honor victims of the unrest that erupted in June 2024 over proposed tax increases. Human rights groups and reports at the time said at least 60 people died during the original protests, many from police gunfire.
Police erected barricades and deployed heavily around Parliament, where protesters in 2024 had stormed the building. On Thursday, families laid flowers on barbed wire barricades outside the complex, while some demonstrators faced tear gas in areas like Githurai.
Interior Ministry officials said the measures were necessary to maintain order and prevent a repeat of past violence. Turnout in Nairobi appeared lower than in previous years, according to journalists on the scene.
The 2024 protests, largely driven by young Kenyans using social media, forced the government to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill. President William Ruto's administration has since faced ongoing criticism over the handling of the demonstrations and subsequent anniversary events.
A police spokesman confirmed road closures on major routes including Waiyaki Way and areas around Bunyala Roundabout. Protesters had notified authorities of planned peaceful marches, but security forces maintained a heavy presence.
Human rights advocates called for accountability. "We demand justice for the victims and an end to police brutality," said one activist during a small gathering, according to local media.
Government officials have acknowledged past incidents and offered compensation to some families, but progress on prosecutions has been limited. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has reported few cases reaching court related to the deaths.
As of late Thursday, protests remained limited and largely contained. Police continued monitoring the situation across the country, with no comprehensive nationwide casualty figures immediately released for the day's events. Details on further demonstrations remain unclear.
