355 Arrested as Kenya Marks Gen Z Protest Anniversary

In the country, authorities reported a largely orderly day overall, with most citizens choosing to focus on their daily routines of work and school. However, pockets of unrest led to swift police action, resulting in hundreds of detentions as security teams worked to prevent disruptions.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the media following the demonstrations, revealing that 355 individuals had been taken into custody for offenses ranging from road blockages and vandalism to robbery attempts. Nairobi saw the largest share with 161 arrests, followed by Kajiado at 123 and Kiambu with 36, while several other counties recorded smaller numbers. Notably, regions in the North Eastern, Coast, and Nyanza areas reported no detentions at all. Murkomen noted that the total could rise as more field reports come in.

One unfortunate incident involved an assistant chief in Murang'a County who was injured while responding to attempts to set up barricades, though he received prompt medical care and was discharged in stable condition. Despite these challenges, security personnel received praise for their professional handling of the situation, ensuring that widespread chaos was avoided. A small gathering of activists and leaders still managed to reach Parliament grounds in the capital to lay flowers in memory of those lost in the 2024 unrest.

Murkomen highlighted the maturity shown by many participants who exercised their right to peaceful assembly without causing major disturbances. The government had urged calm, closing key roads into Nairobi's central business district as a precaution. As the country reflects on this anniversary, the events underscore ongoing tensions around governance and youth voices, while also demonstrating a collective desire for stability moving forward.