NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused the government of undermining Kenyans’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly after opposition leaders were blocked from accessing Parliament during a memorial event marking the anniversary of the June 25 anti-government protests.
Orengo joined Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and other opposition figures in Nairobi on Thursday to honour victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. The leaders had planned to lay wreaths outside Parliament in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the protests.
However, the group was unable to reach the precincts of Parliament after security agencies sealed off access roads and erected extensive barbed-wire barricades around the National Assembly.
A heavy police presence was deployed across major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District, with security officers restricting movement in several areas as authorities sought to manage anticipated demonstrations and memorial activities.
Speaking to journalists after the march, Orengo argued that the government’s actions amounted to interference with rights guaranteed under the Constitution, particularly the freedom of assembly, demonstration and picketing.
The veteran opposition politician maintained that Kenyans have a lawful right to gather and express their views without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions.
“We wanted to lay the wreaths but it was not possible because Parliament was barricaded. This thing will continue next year and in subsequent years,” Orengo said.
“We were told that today would be a normal day, but it was not. It cannot be because today is when people were murdered and we were honouring those who were murdered two years ago.”
Orengo called for June 25 to be formally recognised as a national day of remembrance for individuals who died during anti-government protests in 2024 and subsequent demonstrations.
According to him, the date has become a significant symbol of civic activism and demands for accountability in Kenya.
The Siaya governor also alleged that criminal groups were operating alongside security agencies to disrupt memorial activities and intimidate demonstrators.
“In town there are goons escorted by the police to harass families who are here to mourn. It is now clear an agenda implemented by the government,” he claimed.
The allegations echoed concerns previously raised by opposition leaders and human rights organisations regarding the conduct of security operations during public demonstrations.
The government has not provided evidence supporting claims of collaboration between police officers and criminal groups.
Business activity and transport operations across parts of Nairobi were significantly affected as many traders closed their premises amid uncertainty surrounding the planned demonstrations.
Several roads leading to key government installations remained under tight security, with checkpoints and barricades restricting access throughout the day.
The restrictions drew criticism from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which accused police of violating a court ruling that barred authorities from blocking public roads without prior notice and adequate justification.
The rights organisation demanded the immediate removal of roadblocks and called on security agencies to respect constitutional freedoms.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja defended the deployment and road closures, saying the measures were informed by intelligence reports indicating potential threats to public order.
According to Kanja, the security arrangements were intended to prevent individuals from entering the capital to engage in criminal activities or disrupt peace.
“The barriers were put in place based on intelligence reports and to prevent people from entering the city to cause chaos and disrupt peace,” Kanja said.
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He confirmed that several individuals had been arrested during the security operation and indicated that authorities would release official figures after compiling reports from different units.
“We have arrested a number of individuals, and we will provide the exact figures later. The due process of the law will be followed, and those found culpable will be arraigned in court,” he added.
The June 25 anniversary has become a powerful symbol for many Kenyans, particularly young people who participated in the anti-Finance Bill protests that swept across the country in 2024.
Civil society groups, opposition leaders and families of victims have continued to call for accountability over deaths, injuries, disappearances and alleged human rights violations linked to the demonstrations.
As debate over the government’s response intensifies, Thursday’s events highlighted the continuing tensions between security concerns, constitutional freedoms and demands for justice from victims’ families and activists.
