On Thursday, multiple parliamentary committee sessions were postponed amid escalating security worries and anticipated unrest connected to Gen Z protests, disrupting routine activities in Nairobi.
The reschedulings occurred while a substantial police force patrols the city, blocking key routes to the Central Business District.
Entry to Parliament was heavily restricted, with the entire facility encircled by barbed wire.
The sitting National Assembly had planned three committee meetings that morning, all of which were postponed.
The Special Funds Account Committee, Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, and Implementation Committee were compelled to cancel their sessions because witnesses struggled to reach the premises.
This year’s apprehension stems from the unforgettable June 25, 2024 incident, when thousands of Gen Z demonstrators forced entry into Parliament during a National Assembly debate on the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The protestors breached security screens, penetrated the parliamentary compound, and vandalized and set fire to sections of the building, compelling legislators to evacuate for safety.
The incursion became a pivotal moment in Kenyan politics, eventually prompting President William Ruto to retract the Finance Bill amid extensive public backlash.
To avert a recurrence, security forces were deployed early, positioning anti‑riot police around Parliament, the CBD, and other key sites.
Parliament was surrounded by barbed wire, and routes to the precincts were cordoned.
While authorities affirmed that peaceful protests would be permitted, they cautioned against actions that could undermine public order or target essential institutions.
Yesterday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen explained that security forces have been positioned along major thoroughfares…
He added that officers aim to facilitate lawful actions with minimal interference during the expected June 25 Gen Z memorial rallies.
The advisory, released before the protests, reaffirmed that all Kenyans possess a constitutional right to gather, protest, and submit petitions peacefully, urging participants to behave lawfully and protect public and private property.
“Each Kenyan is entitled to assemble, protest, and present petitions peacefully,” Murkomen stated.
The message also urged demonstrators to heed instructions from security officials and organizers, ensuring that all protests stay peaceful and lawful.
The ministry said the security steps are designed to enable constitutional rights while preserving public safety and safeguarding key installations.
The ministry declared that security agencies are present to safeguard people, protect property and critical infrastructure, and allow lawful activities to proceed with minimal disruption.
The heightened security presence was noticeable across Nairobi and adjacent towns on Thursday, as roadblocks, checkpoints, and vehicle inspections were observed on major transit routes.
Traffic delays occurred along Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Ngong Road, Lang’ata Road, and the routes connecting Nairobi to Kiambu, Ruiru, Githurai, and Rongai.
In certain sectors, public service vehicles were reportedly turned away while motorists faced extra screening at checkpoints.