NAIROBI, Kenya — At least 355 people were arrested across Kenya following nationwide demonstrations and memorial activities held on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-government protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Speaking during a post-demonstration security briefing, Murkomen said the suspects were arrested for a range of offences, including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads, malicious damage to property and attempted theft.
The arrests came as security agencies mounted one of the largest security operations witnessed in recent months, with major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District sealed off and access to key government installations heavily restricted.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Interior, Nairobi County accounted for the highest number of arrests, with 161 suspects taken into custody.
Kajiado recorded 123 arrests, followed by Kiambu with 36. Other counties where arrests were reported included Murang’a (12), Bungoma (9), Meru (6), Laikipia (5) and Machakos (3).
Murkomen noted that the figures remained provisional and could rise as security agencies continue compiling reports from different parts of the country.
“As of the time of this briefing, 355 individuals had been arrested for various offences committed during today’s demonstrations. The number may increase as additional reports are received,” he said.
Notably, no arrests were reported in the Coast, Nyanza and North Eastern regions.
The Interior CS also confirmed that an assistant chief was injured during an incident in Murang’a County.
According to Murkomen, Mr Anthony Kathungu, the Assistant Chief of Kariti Sub-location in Kandara, was attacked by individuals allegedly attempting to erect a road barricade.
“He was treated and discharged in fair condition,” Murkomen said.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether any suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Despite the arrests, Murkomen commended Kenyans who participated in memorial activities peacefully and within the confines of the law.
The Cabinet Secretary described the day as largely calm compared to fears of widespread unrest that had preceded the anniversary.
“I would like to commend all Kenyans for heeding the government’s call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities. As I said yesterday, today was a working and school day like any other day,” he said.
“No widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes, or injuries were reported across the country. This is not only commendable but also a testament to the maturity of our politics and governance.”
His remarks came amid competing narratives from opposition leaders and human rights organisations, some of which criticised the extensive security measures deployed across Nairobi and other urban centres.
Murkomen also praised security agencies for maintaining order during the commemorative events, describing their response as professional and well-coordinated.
“I commend our security agencies for their commitment and dedication to maintaining law and order. They acted with utmost professionalism and responded promptly to concerns raised by wananchi,” he said.
“We salute them for their effective organisation and meticulous planning.”
The government had deployed a heavy security presence ahead of the anniversary, citing intelligence reports indicating the possibility of criminal infiltration and disruption of public order.
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Thursday’s demonstrations and memorial events marked two years since the June 25, 2024 protests, which became one of the most significant youth-led political movements in Kenya’s recent history.
The protests, largely organised by Gen Z activists, erupted in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 and broader concerns over governance, taxation and the rising cost of living.
This year’s commemorations took place under tight security, with authorities closing major roads into Nairobi’s CBD and barricading access to Parliament and other strategic locations.
Despite the restrictions, a small group of activists, opposition politicians and civil society leaders managed to reach the vicinity of Parliament, where they laid flowers in honour of those who lost their lives during the 2024 demonstrations.
The anniversary has renewed calls for accountability over deaths, injuries and alleged human rights violations linked to last year’s protests, with victims’ families and rights groups continuing to demand justice.
