Security was tightened in Nairobi early Wednesday morning, with police sealing off major roads leading into the Central Business District as Kenya marked the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests that rocked the country in 2024.

Access to Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue was completely blocked, with police deploying wire-mesh fences and barricades. Motorists from Nyayo Stadium Roundabout were also barred from entering the CBD through Uhuru Highway.

However, Ladhies Road remained accessible, as officers redirected traffic and controlled entry into the city centre.

A heavy police presence was also seen around State House, where all surrounding roads were sealed off.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen held a brief meeting with police officers at the Office of the President along Harambee Avenue in the early morning. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja and Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli were in attendance during the morning engagement, which came just hours before the day’s events began.

The security clampdown comes as Kenyans commemorate the Gen Z protests of July 25, 2024, which were marked by the unprecedented storming of Parliament. In honour of those who lost their lives during the unrest, a section of Kenyans had vowed to return to the streets in peaceful protests across the country.

In the CBD area, business premises remained closed along streets and avenues usually seen with a bee hive of activities on the daily. Along Ronald Ngala, very few shops and businesses were seen operating in the morning hours. Along City Hall Way, Wabera Street, Tom Mboya and Moi Avenue, most shops remained closed with very few people spotted walking.

While the call for peaceful protest has been echoed widely, anxiety remains high over the possibility of renewed violence, looting, and confrontations witnessed during last year’s protests. Authorities have warned of firm action against anyone found breaching the law.

Security has been heightened nationwide, with the Inspector General of Police Doughlas Kanja warning that any civil disobedience will be handled within the confines of the law.

“As we exercise our rights, let us remember: Kenya is our homeland. We only have this country. Let us protect it,” he stated.

He reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate peacefully, the Public Order Act and the Penal Code outline clear conditions for lawful assemblies.

Any gatherings he said, that turn violent or breach the peace will be deemed unlawful, and the police will act accordingly.

“Unauthorized persons must also refrain from accessing protected areas as defined under the Protected Areas Act,” Kanja warned.

As families of the victims continue to mourn, many are still waiting for justice. A year later, no police officer has been convicted in connection with the deaths reported during the protests. Despite repeated promises, including past assurances from President William Ruto, progress on accountability remains minimal.

On Tuesday, President Ruto voiced his support for the police and warned that anyone intimidating officers would face consequences — though he made no mention of justice for victims of last year’s deadly protests.