MPs halt meetings over protest jitters

Several parliamentary committee meetings were on Thursday rescheduled as heightened security concerns and fears of possible unrest linked to Gen Z demonstrations disrupted normal operations in Nairobi.

The cancellations came amid a heavy police presence across the city, with major roads leading to CBD blocked.

 Access to Parliament Buildings was significantly restricted and entire building ringed with barbed wire.

The National Assembly which was in session had lined up three committee sittings on Thursday morning, all of which were rescheduled.

Special Funds Account Committee, Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education and Implementation Committee were forced to shelve scheduled sittings as witnesses encountered difficulties accessing the precincts.

The anxiety surrounding this year's protests is informed by memories of the unprecedented events of June 25, 2024, when thousands of Gen Z-led protesters breached Parliament during a sitting of the National Assembly as MPs debated and passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

Protesters overwhelmed security barriers, entered the parliamentary compound and parts of the building were vandalised and set ablaze, forcing lawmakers to flee for safety.

The breach marked one of the most dramatic moments in Kenya's political history and ultimately forced President William Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill following widespread public outrage.

This year, security agencies moved early to prevent a repeat of the 2024 scenes, deploying anti-riot police around Parliament, the Central Business District and other strategic installations.

 Parliament was ringed with barbed wire while roads leading to the precincts were sealed off.

Even as the government maintained that peaceful demonstrations would be allowed, authorities warned against attempts to disrupt public order or target critical institutions.

Yesterday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen clarified that security agencies have been deployed along major roads and entry points into Nairobi to keep people safe and protect property and critical infrastructure.

He said the officers also seek to support the continuation of lawful activities with minimal disruption during the anticipated 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.

The advisory also reminded demonstrators to follow guidance from security officers and organisers and to ensure any protests remain peaceful and lawful.

According to the ministry, the security measures are intended to facilitate the exercise of constitutional rights while maintaining public safety and protecting critical installations.

“Security agencies have been deployed to keep people safe, protect property and critical infrastructure and support the continuation of lawful activities with minimal disruption,” the ministry said.

 The increased security presence was evident across Nairobi and neighbouring towns on Thursday morning, with roadblocks, checkpoints and vehicle screening reported along several major transport corridors.

Traffic disruptions were reported on sections of Waiyaki Way, Thika road, Ngong Road, Lang’ata Road and roads linking Nairobi to Kiambu, Ruiru, Githurai and Rongai.

In some areas, public service vehicles were reportedly turned back while motorists underwent additional screening at security checkpoints.