Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has commended Kenyans for maintaining peace during Wednesday’s June 25, 2026 demonstrations, saying no widespread looting, vandalism, or injuries were reported nationwide.
In a statement issued on June 25, Murkomen said the day’s events were “proof that when demonstrations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, peace and security are guaranteed.”
He described the outcome as “a testament to the maturity of our politics and governance.”
The CS said families and friends of victims of past protests, alongside members of the public, held peaceful processions in Nairobi and Mombasa, while it was “largely business as usual” in towns across the country.
Why police barricaded roads during June 25 protests
Murkomen revealed that security agencies acted on credible intelligence that “goons were being ferried from other parts of the country to cause a breach of peace in Nairobi.”
As a result, screening was mounted on major highways into the city to “keep the would-be troublemakers at bay.”
He regretted inconveniences caused but said the measures were effective in securing Nairobi and other areas, resulting in relative calm.
Despite the calm, the CS said a few criminal elements attempted crimes under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.
How many were arrested during 2026 Gen Z protests anniversary
A total of 355 arrests were made in connection with the protests.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36.
Other arrests were reported in Murang’a, 12; Bungoma, 9; Meru, 6; Laikipia, 5; and Machakos, 3. No arrests were reported from North Eastern, Nyanza, and Coast regions.
Those arrested, CS Murkomen said, will face charges including robbery, vandalism, road obstruction, and attempted stealing.
The demonstrations marked the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests that turned violent in several towns.
