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Police extinguish burning tyres at Githurai roundabout as smoke billows across the area, after authorities blocked Thika Road to vehicles headed to Nairobi's CBD during Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, Thursday, June 25, 2026. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]
Police sealed off Nairobi, lobbed teargas and arrested protesters on Thursday as Kenyans marked the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z demonstrations that left more than 120 people dead.
Officers barricaded Waiyaki Way at Kangemi bridge, turning back vehicles headed to the central business district, while roadblocks along Lang'ata Road, Mombasa Road, Athi River and Mlolongo blocked matatus from accessing the city. Mombasa Road remained unusually clear as security forces moved to restrict movement ahead of the planned memorial marches.
At Githurai roundabout, plainclothes police riding motorcycles engaged protesters as officers extinguished a bonfire lit by demonstrators. Police also blocked Thika Road, halting vehicles from entering the CBD as tensions flared along the route. Officers later fired teargas to disperse demonstrators who had been marching toward the city centre.
