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Videos seen by Radio Generation on Thursday show groups of plainclothes police officers moving through Githurai 45 and nearby streets while discharging their weapons into the air.
Opposition leaders argued that the extensive barricades and heavy security presence around Parliament and other key government installations created the impression of a city under lockdown despite official assurances of business as usual, with Siaya Governor James Orengo saying the restrictions prevented participants from laying wreaths at Parliament as originally planned
The clarification came amid criticism from activists who accused authorities of attempting to frustrate peaceful gatherings despite claims that police had been formally notified about the planned marches.
The protesters were part of crowds mobilising to commemorate June 2024 anti-government demonstrations, with many seeking to make their way into the city centre despite extensive security measures introduced by authorities
The remarks came as Kenya marked two years since the deadly 2024 anti-government protests that left dozens dead and triggered nationwide outrage over police conduct and demands for accountability.
The ODM MP assured those planning to join the demonstrations that legal help would be available if arrests are made.
Long queues of stranded commuters are reported in several areas including Githurai, Allsops, Bunyala Roundabout and sections of Thika Road as many people attempting to get into the city were either turned back or forced to seek alternative means of transport.
The unfolding situation has created uncertainty in several towns, where businesses are preparing for possible interruptions even as organisers maintain that the demonstrations are intended to peacefully honour those who died during last year's protests.
ODM legislators led by Samuel Atandi have urged the Luo community to back the broad-based government and avoid protests, saying the region is beginning to benefit from government programmes and calling for peace.
Murkomen reiterated that the police have been instructed to facilitate peaceful gatherings while ensuring that public safety is not compromised
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamoud said no notice has been filed for Thursday’s Gen Z June 25 commemoration and warned that police will take action to ensure security is maintained.
In a statement by the Kenya Police Service on Tuesday, Tonui urged officers to conduct operations within the law and maintain professionalism while carrying out their duties.
MoA chairman Albert Karakacha called on drivers, crew and owners to stay disciplined and continue offering transport without disruption.
The panel said compensation is only being issued to victims who have completed the verification process and formally agreed to participate in the programme.
Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday, Orengo said the demonstrations were not political mobilisations but memorial activities organised by parents and relatives of those who lost loved ones during the anti-tax protests.
The Interior CS maintained that lawful protests will continue to be protected, but insisted that security agencies will act decisively against groups that disguise criminal activity as demonstrations. He said state institutions remain on high alert as the June 25 anniversary approaches.
The families of slain protesters have already written to the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja notifying authorities of a peaceful march planned for June 25, alongside similar events across all 47 counties.
The families delivered their notice at Jogoo House on Thursday, where they called for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of those they say bear responsibility for the deaths, injuries and alleged abuses committed during the demonstrations.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Monday during the presentation of the Report on the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations, Kindiki said the country had entered a difficult but necessary phase of transitional justice as it sought to address the legacy of violence linked to public protests.
Speaking during the presentation of the Report on the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations at State House, Nairobi on Monday, Mutua said the claims, drawn from oversight bodies and state agencies, are being processed through what he described as an “AI integrated case management system” designed to ensure transparency, accountability and full auditability of the reparations process.
The women demanded swift investigations, justice for the victim, and stronger action against violence targeting women, as authorities continue probing the incident through the DCI.
Omanyo said Kenya’s vulnerability to fuel price shocks is linked to its dependence on imported fuel and its developing economy status, which leaves households exposed to global price changes.
The Interior PS said the issue of criminal gangs infiltrating demonstrations was not new and had existed for many years across different administrations.
The clarification comes after the OCS, Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya, was arrested for allegedly releasing some of the persons arrested during Monday protests over the cost of fuel.
The Central Police station OCS was arrested after releasing some of the people arrested on Monday over the high costs of fuel protests, around Nairobi.
The MPs defended transport operators who withdrew services on May 18, 2026, saying they were exercising their constitutional right to protest over rising fuel prices.
According to Kindiki, Value Added Tax on petroleum products has been reduced from 16% as part of efforts to ease the burden on households and businesses facing rising living costs.
Murkomen said at least four people were killed and more than 30 others injured during the demonstrations, which were triggered by protests over fuel prices and later turned violent in several regions.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DCI cautioned members of the public against turning legitimate demonstrations into criminal activity, even as it reaffirmed that Kenyans retain the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression.
He said government interventions had cushioned consumers and announced stakeholder talks led by President William Ruto’s appointees. He warned that demonstrations, looting, and anarchy cannot resolve the fuel crisis affecting households and industries nationwide.