‘We're very ready!’ Police assure security ahead of June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda says security organs are ready for the planned June 25, 2025 demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday next week in remembrance of the momentous Gen Z protests last year.

Seda, who spoke during a press briefing on Wednesday evening, confirmed that police had received official communication from the organisers and reassured the public that the security organs were fully prepared to ensure the safety of all.

“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter,” said Seda.

 “As for June 25th, we have enhanced plans. We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central (Police Station)."

Commander Seda urged demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid provoking law enforcement, which he said has resulted in violence as seen in the recent demos.

“Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations. Let’s not have demonstrations which are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators,” he appealed.

“Remember, it will be a working day and we shall be having people operating hotels, shops and other businesses. We are looking uncivilised when we start converging, and then as we continue, it turns violent and beats the logic of conducting it, which makes the situation worse.”

He further warned against confrontational conduct during the protests, referencing recent incidents in Nairobi CBD where some civilians protesting the murder of teacher Albert Ojwang violently confronted officers.

“When we become reactive, and you even saw last Thursday when people were provoking armed officers — we are not there to be at war with you, the public, but to provide security,” he said.

The police have assured that both demonstrators and non-demonstrators will be protected during the protests meant to mark the one-year anniversary of the Gen Z protests on June 25, 2024.

In the historic event, youthful protesters broke through Parliament barricades and entered the complex, as lawmakers were debating the contentious Finance Bill 2024 that had sparked widespread outrage.

According to Amnesty International Kenya, hundreds of protesters broke through police barriers outside parliament in Nairobi, with police firing live rounds and injuring "many" people.

A section of Parliament that houses offices was also set on fire as protesters stormed the buildings, accompanied by heavy gunfire from police officers battling the defiant mob.