Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has sent a mother message to Gen Zs ahead of planned protests to honour victims of the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 15, 2025, Ndeti urged young people to stay safe as they head to the streets.
“Sending hugs and motherly love; be safe, my children,” she stated.
The 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests left dozens dead and sparked international condemnation over alleged police brutality.
This year’s commemorations come amid growing calls for police reform and justice for victims of excessive force.
The government has blocked key access roads to Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), disrupting transport and forcing commuters to alight at designated drop-off points.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from Mombasa Road terminated at Haile Selassie Avenue and Nyayo House roundabouts, while those from Thika Road ended at Globe Roundabout.
On the other hand, PSVs using Jogoo Road concluded their routes at City Stadium.
Additionally, heavy security has been deployed around sensitive government installations with a razor-sharp wire fence around parliament buildings.
Police call
Addressing the nation in a press conference on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, National Police Service (NPS) Inspector General Douglas Kanja urged protesters to exercise restraint and avoid restricted areas.
“Officers will act within the law to protect lives and property,” he said.
He was flanked by top security chiefs, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Amin Mohamed, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, and Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda.
Nairobi Police Commander George Seda echoed those sentiments earlier in the week, saying officers had received formal notification of the planned demonstrations and were fully prepared to maintain peace and safety.
“We shall provide adequate security for both protesters and non-protesters. Let’s ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and do not infringe on the rights of others. It is a working day—businesses, shops, and hotels will be open,” he said.
He cautioned that violent or disruptive conduct would defeat the spirit of peaceful assembly and cast the country in a negative light.
Kanja declined to take questions from the press following his statement and reiterated that the National Police Service was committed to facilitating lawful protests but warned against any actions that might provoke security officers or disrupt public order.
