President William Ruto speaking during the opening of Ngong Road-Naivasha Road Flyover, Nairobi County on June 29, 2026 / PCS
President William Ruto has thanked Nairobi residents, particularly youths and traders, for staying away from the June 25 protests, saying they chose peace and economic activity over demonstrations.
The President claimed that some individuals had sought to plunge the capital into chaos by encouraging protests that would have led to the destruction of property.
Speaking on Monday, President Ruto dismissed claims that the demonstrations were successful because many people stayed away from work, arguing that Kenyans want to work and improve their livelihoods.
"I want to thank Nairobi residents. I thank the youths and traders in Nairobi. You refused chaos in the city and protests to destroy people's property. You refused to follow the chaotic rumours in this Nairobi," Ruto said.
"I heard someone saying that because people did not go to work, the protests were successful. They have moved across the country for the last 50 years and have done nothing for Kenyans, and now they want all Kenyans to lack jobs."
Ruto urged those backing demonstrations to allow Kenyans to continue with their daily activities, saying employment and economic growth remain the country's priorities.
"I want to tell you to leave Kenyans to go to work. Every day, Kenyans want to go to work, change their lives and build the economy," he added.
Across Kenya, protests unfolded today, June 25, 2025, to commemorate the victims of last year's demonstrations. While largely peaceful in many areas, running battles between police and protestors were reported.
Authorities deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and barricaded major roads leading into various towns. In the capital, protestors made their way towards the Central Business District (CBD) despite police efforts to barricade key access routes.
A determined group of demonstrators engaged in confrontations with police within the CBD itself.
Videos captured scenes of young protestors, predominantly dressed in black, chanting slogans and holding their ground against advancing riot police.
Anti-government protestors also took over Thika Road, rendering the vital thoroughfare impassable.
Footage showed stones placed across sections of the road, effectively blocking both sides, while protestors also lit fires on the carriageways, further impeding movement.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people were arrested during the demonstration as he praised Kenyans for maintaining peace during the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests.
Speaking during an update on the security situation following the demonstrations, Murkomen said most parts of the country remained calm, with no widespread incidents of looting, vandalism, skirmishes or injuries reported.
"I want to commend all Kenyans for heeding the government's call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities," he said, noting that June 25 was a normal working and school day.
He said a total of 355 arrests had been recorded by the time of the briefing, with the number expected to rise as investigations continue.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of arrests 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).
The CS commended security officers for what he termed professionalism and effective planning in handling the demonstrations.
"I commend our security agencies for their commitment and dedication to maintaining law and order. They acted with utmost professionalism and responded promptly to concerns by Kenyans," he said.
