Protesters on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, dragged wildlife sculptures from Uhuru Park and dragged them onto Kenyatta Avenue, giving police officers a hard time moving the steel decorations from the road.
The protests have rocked several parts of the country, with police officers being urged to exercise restraint to prevent civilian casualties.
While police officers initially barricaded major access ways to the city centre in the morning, the officers were overwhelmed by the bulging numbers of protesters who gained access to the Central Business District.
Littered city streets
City streets were littered with stones and tear gas canisters as police officers attempted to push the youthful demonstrators away from town.
The Communications Authority has since begun an operation targeted at switching off transmission of live broadcasts by media houses that have failed to comply with its order to cease such live coverage.
While the move has been condemned from several quarters, the regulator has gone ahead to switch off the transmission of several top television stations in the country.
Tension remains high in several parts of the country where the demonstrations took place, with opposition politicians calling on the government to listen to the issues of the protesting youth.
Ruto calls for calm
Speaking on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the burial of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s father in Kilifi County, President William Ruto issued a firm yet measured appeal for calm and responsible civic action.
“Even those with different opinions and even in protests, let us ensure that these protests are peaceful and not about destroying property or disturbing peace,” Ruto said.
“This is our country, and we have to protect its peace. We must operate within the law.”
Ruto, who attended the function in Kilifi County alongside ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, who is his partner in the broad-based government, urged protesters to shun acts of vandalism and hooliganism.
“Protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,” Ruto urged.
