Kenya Braces for Gen Z Protests Marking Two-Year Anniversary

Kenya is preparing for a return of Gen Z-led demonstrations this Thursday, marking the second anniversary of a movement that first galvanized young Kenyans two years ago. The planned events aim to honor more than 120 people killed during the movement's history, including those who died during the initial 2024 protests and subsequent clashes in 2025.

The original protests began in 2024 in opposition to a finance bill intended to raise $2.7 billion in tax revenue. At the height of that unrest, demonstrators stormed and partially burned parliament after the bill was passed on June 25, 2024. The movement later resurfaced in 2025 following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, which reignited anger over government accountability and police violence.

Organizers have described the upcoming marches as peaceful commemorations. Participants are encouraged to carry Kenyan flags, candles, white handkerchiefs, and flowers as symbols of peace. While large demonstrations are expected in Nairobi and other major towns, activists have suggested that those outside the capital hold peaceful vigils outside police stations.

However, the government has expressed significant concern over potential instability. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that intelligence suggests some political actors are mobilizing armed gangs and criminals to disrupt the events and attack civilians. He warned that anyone involved in looting or violence would face the full force of the law.

In Nairobi, Police Boss Issa Mohamud has declared the planned demonstrations illegal, claiming that organizers failed to provide official notification. He urged parents to keep their children out of the city's central business district and warned that security agencies would take firm action against unauthorized gatherings.

Activists have countered these claims, insisting that the right to demonstrate is constitutionally protected and that notifications were submitted. They have warned the government against using force to disrupt the peaceful marches and expressed concern that the state might deploy goons to interfere with the proceedings.

President William Ruto has called on citizens to avoid demonstrating this Thursday, urging them to focus on productivity and economic growth instead. Despite this, the president recently announced a fund of nearly $15 million to compensate 1,100 people affected by violent protests between 2017 and 2025.