Kenya police sued after sealing off Nairobi on protest anniversary

Kenyan police are facing legal action after sealing off central Nairobi to disrupt demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the country's Gen Z-led anti-government protests.

On 25 June, police mounted roadblocks on all major routes into the capital, cutting Nairobi off from the rest of the country and triggering huge traffic jams. Thousands of officers were deployed in one of the largest security operations since the 2024 protests against a contentious finance bill.

The restrictions brought much of the city to a standstill, with workers unable to reach their jobs and traders delaying opening their shops. Rights groups said the blanket roadblocks denied millions of people access to work, business and essential services.

The Katiba Institute, a constitutional rights organisation, filed a contempt case against the Inspector General of Police, accusing the authorities of ignoring a court order by setting up unannounced roadblocks. Rights bodies said the operation violated constitutional freedoms.

The government defended the measures, saying intelligence indicated criminal groups planned to infiltrate the demonstrations to loot businesses and attack civilians. The original June 2024 protests, driven largely by young Kenyans, left dozens dead and forced the withdrawal of the finance bill.