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Kenya Braces for Nationwide Protests on 25 June

Large-Scale Protests Planned Across Kenya

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 15:00 UTC 24 June 2026

Nationwide demonstrations are planned for 25 June, marking the second anniversary of the 25 June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and commemorating those who were killed during the unrest in 2024 and 2025.

Victims’ families have called on Kenyans to march to parliament in Nairobi at 10:00 local time (07:00 UTC) to demand justice and lay flowers where their relatives were killed. Activists have urged participants outside Nairobi to hold peaceful vigils near police stations with flowers and flags, and to document events on mobile phones, livestreams, and hidden cameras to capture any incidents.

Opposition figures, including former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, have called for a large turnout. A group including Siaya Governor James Orengo, activist Boniface Mwangi, and families of protest victims marched to parliament on 18 June and formally notified the police of a nationwide march. Organisers have stated that the demonstrations will remain peaceful and constitutional. Orengo added on social media that “June 25th remains a public holiday of remembrance and resistance.”

The government has ruled out a public holiday, with Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura insisting that 25 June remains a normal working day. President William Ruto additionally warned against attempts to “shut down the country”. Police maintain they have not received formal notification authorising demonstrations in Nairobi and have warned that they will respond “firmly” to any attempts to disrupt public order.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Economic and Political Grievances Continue to Shape Unrest Risks in Kenya

Widespread youth-led protests have taken place in Kenya in both 2024 and 2025. In June and July 2024, a series of mass protests erupted in response to proposed tax increases in the government’s Finance Bill 2024. The unrest started in Nairobi, quickly spreading to other parts of the country. On 25 June, thousands of protesters stormed the parliamentary complex, setting fire to the Kenyan Parliament Building. Overall, at least 50 people were killed, and several hundred were injured as protesters clashed with security forces, who used live ammunition and conducted mass arrests.

Widespread protests were also staged in June and early July 2025, after a blogger was killed in police custody, with protesters demanding an end to police brutality. Security forces again responded with force, including live ammunition, tear gas, water cannon, and mass arrests. At least 65 people were killed, and over 550 people were injured. No significant concessions were made following the protests, and police brutality almost certainly remains a core grievance in Kenya.

The planned demonstrations are set to take place amid increased pressure on living costs, as well as frustrations over government plans to allow a US Ebola quarantine facility on its territory. Kenya’s fuel imports are heavily tied to Gulf suppliers, and the price of fuel has spiked due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although President Ruto has moved to cushion consumers by cutting fuel VAT, using stabilisation funds, and pushing through a diesel price reduction, fuel prices remain elevated and continue to feed wider cost-of-living pressures. This almost certainly increases the risk that the planned protests could escalate into broader anti-government unrest.

Kenyan police forces have a precedent of responding forcefully to demonstrations, deploying live ammunition in both 2024 and 2025 unrest and being accused of abducting, torturing, and killing civilians believed to be leaders of anti-government protests. The apparent lack of authorisation for the demonstrations almost certainly raises the risk of crackdowns being imposed. If security forces are perceived as using disproportionate force against protesters, this will highly likely exacerbate demonstrations. This risk almost certainly elevates with calls for protesters to capture footage, with videos of perceived brutality by security forces highly likely to spread quickly through social media, increase anti-government sentiment and provoke larger demonstrations.

Nairobi’s parliament is located within the Central Business District (CBD), and most protesters will highly likely be gathered there. If protests spread, other hotspots in Nairobi include Kangemi, Ngong, Kamukunji, Thika Road, and Kitengela. During the 2025 protests, security forces blocked off major roads into Nairobi, including Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Ngong Road, Valley Road, Juja Road, and Lang’ata Road. Other cities that may see large-scale gatherings and potential clashes include Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

In the lead-up to and during the potential protests, there is a realistic possibility that the government will impose internet outages to prevent the spread of calls for anti-government protests. There will highly likely be a heightened security presence in Nairobi and other major cities on 25 June.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Kenya

Reconsider non-essential travel to Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, and other major cities on 25 June.
Avoid the central business district in Nairobi around 25 June, particularly around Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, City Hall, and any other wide roads conducive to the staging of protests, as well as all major government buildings such as the Kenyan Parliament or the Governor’s Office.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and trusted media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in secure accommodation.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
Keep emergency contact numbers saved on your phone, including those for local authorities, medical services, and consular assistance. Ensure mobile devices are fully charged in case of potential power outages.
Closely monitor alerts from a security provider if available, trusted local news reports and government alerts.