LIVE BLOG: Gen-Z Protests 2025

1:06pm: Communications Authority orders all TV and radio stations ordered to halt live Gen Z protest coverage. Communications Authority says non-compliance may lead to switch-off under Communications Act.

12:57pm: Parliament adjourns early over lack of members to prosecute motions lined up for debate. This comes despite the National Assembly announcing yesterday that it would extend sessions till past midnight to handle critical House business.

12:28pm: Water canons deployed to quell protesters. Footage shows police spraying water to protesters in the CBD.

12:23pm: Protests kick off in Malindi, the second coastal city to witness protests after Mombasa.

12:09pm: Some protesters shot during the demos, rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital. No confirmed reports of fatalities during the protests across the country.

12:03pm: One police officer seriously injured during protests in the CBD after being caught in a melee with protesters. Cop rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital.

11:56am: Activist Hussein Khalid seen giving first aid to police officer affected by tear gas during protests in Nairobi CBD.

11:48am: Sea of protesters seen coming in from Thika Road, occupying both sides of the Thika Superhighway. Police forced to retreat as protests intensify.

11:39am: Police lob tear gas to disperse protesters who had aimed to access Supreme Court in the Nairobi CBD.

11:27am: Footage emerges showing tear gas canister explode as a protester sought to hurl it back towards police officers during protests in the Nairobi CBD.

11:06am: Protesters block the Thika Superhighway around Githurai area as police engage them in running battles and lob tear gas in an attempt to disperse the increasingly unruly crowd.

10:57am: Nyeri-Karatina Highway reportedly closed as protests across the country intensify. So far no violence, no goons spotted.

10:43am: Protesters in Nakuru take to the streets with placards and twigs, interrupting traffic flow as they join the rest of the country in the June 25 protests. 

10:34am: Busia Senator and activist Okiya Omtatah breaches police guard, makes his journey towards Parliament. Accompanied by a group of protesters, no action by the police. 

10:27am: Former Chief Justice David Maraga joins protests in the CBD. Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino also seen at the protests.

10:19am: Road blocked at Kisii after protesters light up a tyre. Protests remain peaceful. Police remain vigilant.

10:14am: Road closed along Lang'ata Road, along Madaraka roundabout, no one is being allowed in. Police also stationed at Nyayo stadium. At Haile Selassie Avenue, a group of protesters on motorbike being chased away by the police.

9:56am: Police lob teargas in the Nairobi CBD to disperse crowds at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, and along University Way near Central Police Station.

9:52am:  In Kisii town, protesters already on the streets chanting ‘wantam’ and blowing whistles as they march on the streets.

9:43am:  Protesters light candles at the Nairobi CBD as the number of protesters grow.

9.40am: In Kisumu, the main streets remain empty as locals largely keep off the protests. Traffic is flowing freely around the lakeside City. 

9:30am:  Protesters already on the streets in Mombasa City holding placards and Kenyan flags as they dance on the roads in the CBD. Back in Nairobi, a crowd of protesters is already growing along Moi Avenue, where they are chanting and waving Kenyan flags.

9:24am: Kalonzo, Wamalwa, and leaders allied to them told to turn back after they attempted to lay flower wreaths at the Parliament buildings.

9:20am: Kalonzo and Wamalwa hold prayers at Holy Family and embark on a journey towards the CBD to lay wreaths at the Parliament buildings.

8:50am: Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and their allies, convened at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, where they demanded compensation for the families of Gen Zs who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

During the gathering, the leaders also announced the establishment of the People’s Justice Commission, which will be chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. The commission is expected to spearhead efforts in seeking justice for the deceased Gen Zs.

8:18am: Heavy police presence spotted around State House Road, as protests reportedly involve ‘occupying State House’. The road is also seen to be ring-fenced.

7:16am: Transport activities are disrupted after police block major roads leading to the CBD. Among the key roads affected were Jogoo Road, Ngong Road, Limuru Road, Kiambu Road, and Mombasa Road, where officers set up barricades to carry out impromptu checks. 

Along Jogoo Road, a roadblock was mounted near City Stadium, while another was spotted near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Mombasa Road.

On Limuru Road, officers placed a roadblock near the Embassy of Israel, while another was positioned near Runda Mall along Kiambu Road.

7:00am: Police block roads and ring-fence Parliament ahead of planned protests. Last year, protesters managed to infiltrate Parliament, normally a highly protected zone. Also, hundreds of anti-riot police officers were deployed around Parliament Buildings, with footage showing police water cannons stationed in front of Bunge Towers.

5:00am: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen meets top police bosses, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and takes a stroll in the streets of Nairobi ahead of planned demos.