Teargas, bonfires as June 25 anniversary activities reach Githurai

A section of protesters in Githurai, Nairobi, lit bonfires on Thursday morning as activities linked to the commemoration of those killed during the June 25, 2024, protests took place in parts of the country.

Videos seen by the Star showed flames and smoke rising near the Githurai roundabout, with the fire affecting movement along sections of the busy corridor linking the area to Thika Road.

The footage also appeared to show police officers lobbing teargas canisters as security personnel sought to disperse crowds gathered in the area.

The blaze appeared to obstruct part of the roadway as groups gathered nearby, while movement in the area remained limited.

At the same time, anti-riot police officers were seen deployed in the area.

Security personnel were also seen attempting to extinguish or contain the fire as smoke spread across parts of the roadway.

The developments came amid planned demonstrations and commemorative activities marking one year since the June 25, 2024, protests.

Traffic and movement in the area remained significantly reduced during the morning hours.

Sections of Thika Road and connecting roads recorded lighter traffic than usual, while pedestrian activity also appeared lower compared to a typical weekday morning.

Several commuters appeared stranded after transport operations slowed following police blockades mounted along sections of the highway.

Some public service vehicles were seen avoiding parts of the affected routes while passengers waited along roadsides for alternative transport options.

Business activity also appeared subdued.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has since said security agencies were deployed along major roads and entry points into Nairobi to keep people safe and protect property and critical infrastructure.

He said the officers were also intended to support the continuation of lawful activities with minimal disruption during the June 25 Gen Z memorial demonstrations.

In a public advisory issued ahead of the protests, he said every Kenyan has a constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions peacefully, while urging participants to conduct themselves lawfully and respect public and private property.

“Every Kenyan has the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions peacefully,” Murkomen said.