ROAD TO STATE HOUSE

A tense scene unfolded along State House Road in Nairobi as crowds of mostly Gen Z demonstrators surged toward the presidential residence after hours of standoff with police.

The demonstrators, who had first gathered at Uhuru Park, broke past police barricades and moved toward the State House gates despite a heavy presence of anti-riot officers. Many were determined to make their way up the road to the protected area, marking a significant escalation in protests against high taxes, corruption, and declining public services.

Mobilized mainly on social media, the youth-led crowd made clear they would not back down in their fight for change. This protest also coincides with the one-year anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations, where at least 60 Kenyans lost their lives.

The police had initially restricted the demonstrators’ access to the area, warning them that marches toward the president’s office were illegal. In a statement earlier in the day, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reminded the public that while peaceful protests are allowed, approaching protected zones would not be tolerated.
“Public protests are protected by law, but breaching restricted areas like State House is illegal,” Kanja stated. “We will take lawful and firm action to preserve public order. Please do not provoke or endanger officers on duty,” he added.

This march along State House Road is the first of its kind since demonstrators stormed the Parliament buildings in 2024. Protesters say they will keep pushing until the government listens to their demands.

Meanwhile, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i called on the police to show restraint, arguing that they should not be compelled to acts against fellow Kenyans.

President William Ruto who had attended the funeral of Mzee Gideon Baya Mung'aro Senior, the father of Governor Gideon Mung’aro, toned down on his initial statements, urging the protesters to refrain from violence.

“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.”