Nairobi police boss: We've not received any notice of planned Gen Z protests

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Isa Mohamud has said police have not received any formal notification regarding the planned Gen Z demonstrations scheduled for Thursday, June 25.

Mohamud spoke after meeting top police commanders at the DCI Academy in Nairobi on Wednesday to discuss the planned commemoration of the event.

Mohamud said security officers have only learnt about the planned protests through social media discussions and online mobilisation.

“We have not received any official communication regarding the demonstrations. What we are seeing is information circulating on social media,” he said.

He warned that while citizens have a right to express themselves, police will not tolerate any criminal activities during the demonstrations.

The police boss fell short of declaring the planned protests illegal, setting the pace for a showdown. But organisers of the anniversary, however, insisted they had notified police authorities of the plans to mark the day.

He urged the public to maintain peace and abide by the law as authorities continue monitoring developments ahead of the planned protests.

The police boss has also appealed to parents and guardians to advise their children against entering Nairobi CBD. The commander warned that while police are prepared to maintain law and order, they will take firm action against individuals who engage in criminal activities during the protests.

Mohamud specifically cautioned against looting, vandalism, and the destruction of public or private property, saying those found culpable would face the full force of the law.

His remarks come amid online mobilisation by Gen Z activists who have called for nationwide demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the June 2025 anti-government protests and to press for accountability on governance and economic issues.

Security agencies have heightened surveillance in Nairobi and other major towns ahead of the planned demonstrations, with authorities urging participants to remain peaceful and comply with the law.

Police have reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, organisers are required to notify authorities in advance to facilitate security and traffic management arrangements.

The planned protests are expected to draw significant public attention, with both government officials and civil society groups closely monitoring developments. There has been mobilisation from other parties that are opposed to the planned demonstrations.

Last week, a group of lawyers led by Siaya Governor James Orengo met top police commanders at police headquarters to notify them of the planned protests. They said they would march to Parliament to lay flowers in honour of those killed in the protests in 2024 and 2025.

They also advised against taking in protests but asked Kenyans to stay at home. The government has denounced the advice and insisted it will be business as usual on Thursday. Anti-riot police have been mobilised and sent to various perceived hot spots in the country. Other reports indicated some of the organisers had been arrested and detained in an operation in Kitengela.