Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud defended the decision to restrict access to the CBD during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, stating the goal was to keep criminals out rather than halt peaceful protesters.
He said officers stationed on major routes conducted security checks to spot suspects and prevent disruptions. ‘We were not closing roads; we were sieving bandits and other criminals,’ he explained. ‘We have been allowing people to pass.’
The operation involved officers blocking key entry routes such as Thika, Mombasa, Waiyaki, Jogoo, Lang’ata, Kiambu and Uhuru highways. The restrictions caused transport disruptions, leaving commuters stranded and forcing some to walk long distances.
Despite criticism, Issa insisted the measures were necessary to protect the city as thousands prepared to mark the second anniversary of the June 25 protests. He urged demonstrators to permit normal economic activity and said businesses and workers should not be harmed by the commemorations. ‘If they are genuinely Kenyan, let them leave now so that citizens can open their businesses,’ he said.
Showing sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the 2024 protests, the commander emphasized the nation must move forward. ‘For those who died, we are sorry; for the living, life continues. Therefore it is over now; activists can go their way. Closing the roads helped keep us safe from criminals,’ he added.
Regarding arrests, Issa confirmed several suspects were detained and taken to police stations, although he could not provide an exact figure. ‘I don’t know the number, but various people have been arrested and are in different parts of our stations,’ he said.