🔴 LIVE UPDATES: Nairobi Erupts in Protest to Honour Fallen Gen Zs : June 25, 2025. Video

Thousands of Kenyans, led by a spirited wave of youth known as Gen Z, are back on the streets today in a powerful show of resistance and remembrance. This protest, dubbed the “Gen Z Justice March,” is in honour of the over 60 young lives lost during the 2024 anti:Finance Bill demonstrations, which were marked by deadly police crackdowns. 

Authorities responded to today’s planned protests with heightened security, widespread roadblocks, and a heavy police presence. Here’s how the day has unfolded so far: 

🔴 Live Protest Updates 

3:23 PM : Southern Bypass Blocked, Motorists Stranded
Traffic grinds to a halt along the Southern Bypass, just past the Ngong Road interchange, as youth protesters barricade the road at the Dagoretti–Karen interchange. Stranded motorists are caught off guard, with some forced to turn back as tensions rise in Nairobi’s outskirts. 

3:13 PM : Brief Calm as Protesters Rest in CBD
After hours of running battles with police, some protesters are seen resting along pavements in the CBD. The streets are momentarily calm, but the mood remains tense as many brace for another wave of confrontation. 

2:57 PM : Kiambu Protesters March Toward CBD
A large group of protesters has been spotted marching from Kiambu toward the Nairobi CBD. Police reinforcements are reportedly being moved to intercept. With fresh crowds arriving, clashes are expected to intensify in the coming hour. 

2:34 PM : Nyanza Region Remains Calm
Amid the nationwide unrest, parts of Nyanza, including Kisumu, remain peaceful. No demonstrations have been reported so far. Transport and commercial activities are continuing as usual, setting the region apart from the tension seen in Nairobi, Thika, Nakuru, and Mombasa. 

2:29 PM : Ruto and Raila Attend Funeral in Kilifi
While the nation grapples with protests, President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are attending the funeral of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s father. The event in Kilifi has drawn both rivals together at a time when their silence is being closely watched by a restless nation. 

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2:17 PM : MPs Flee Parliament as Protests Close In
Members of Parliament have vacated the parliamentary precincts shortly after ending their morning session due to lack of quorum. Sources confirm the lawmakers were advised to leave for safety as the protests intensified within the CBD, moving dangerously close to Parliament. 

1:47 PM : Standard Group Defies CAK Directive
In a bold statement, Standard Group PLC has announced it will continue broadcasting the June 25 protests live, defying the Communications Authority of Kenya’s blackout order. The media house says it is consulting its legal team to challenge the constitutionality of the directive. This move has been lauded as a stand for press freedom. 

1:30 PM : Tensions Boil Over in CBD
Clashes erupt at the heart of Nairobi’s CBD near the Bank of India. Protesters engage in a fierce standoff with police, hurling stones as police retaliate with water cannons and tear gas. The situation is rapidly escalating, with the crowd becoming increasingly aggressive. 

1:06 PM: Media Blackout Ordered by Communications Authority
The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed all media houses to halt live coverage of the ongoing Gen Z protests. The regulator warns that non-compliance may result in broadcast suspension under the Communications Act. The order has sparked immediate backlash on social media, with critics calling it a direct assault on press freedom. 

12:57 PM: Parliament Adjourns Amid Poor Attendance
In a surprising turn, Parliament has adjourned early due to a lack of quorum. This is despite prior plans to extend sessions past midnight to deliberate on urgent national issues. The adjournment reflects the overwhelming pressure from protests and public dissent currently sweeping across the country. 

12:28 PM : Water Cannons Deployed in CBD
Police escalate their response by deploying water cannons to control the swelling crowds in the Nairobi CBD. Footage circulating online shows officers spraying protesters in an attempt to disperse them. 

12:23 PM : Protests Begin in Malindi
Malindi becomes the second coastal city after Mombasa to join the nationwide protests. Crowds are seen gathering with placards and flags, signaling further expansion of the Gen Z-led movement. 

12:09 PM : Protesters Shot, Rushed to Hospital
Some protesters have reportedly been shot during the ongoing demonstrations. They were rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for emergency treatment. So far, there are no confirmed fatalities reported nationwide. 

12:03 PM : Police Officer Injured in CBD Clash
A police officer has been seriously injured during scuffles with protesters in the Nairobi CBD. He was quickly rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment. The situation remains volatile. 

11:56 AM : Activist Administers First Aid to Officer
In a rare act of solidarity, activist Hussein Khalid was seen offering first aid to a police officer overwhelmed by tear gas in Nairobi. The moment has been praised by observers online as a symbol of humanity amid chaos. 

11:48 AM : Thika Road Flooded with Protesters
A massive crowd of demonstrators has taken over both sides of the Thika Superhighway. Police, overwhelmed by the growing numbers, were forced to retreat temporarily as the protest wave surges toward the Nairobi CBD. 

11:39 AM : Protesters Target Supreme Court, Police Respond
Police deploy teargas to disperse protesters attempting to access the Supreme Court premises in Nairobi CBD. Tensions remain high as demonstrators push closer to key government institutions. 

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11:27 AM : Teargas Canister Explodes Mid-Air in Nairobi
Dramatic footage surfaces showing a protester attempting to hurl a teargas canister back at police. The canister explodes mid-air, intensifying the standoff between officers and demonstrators in the Nairobi CBD. 

11:06 AM : Chaos on Thika Superhighway
Protesters block the Thika Superhighway near the Githurai area. Police respond with teargas, leading to running battles as they try to disperse the increasingly agitated crowd. Tension in the area continues to rise. 

10:57 AM : Nyeri:Karatina Highway Closed
Reports confirm that the Nyeri:Karatina Highway has been shut down as the nationwide protests gain momentum. Despite the disruption, no violence or hired goons have been reported so far in the area. 

10:43 AM : Nakuru Protesters Join the Movement
In Nakuru, protesters carrying placards and twigs march through the streets, causing interruptions in traffic. The city becomes the latest to join the June 25 demonstrations as nationwide participation expands. 

10:34 AM : Senator Okiya Omtatah Breaches Police Barricade
Busia Senator and civil rights activist Okiya Omtatah defies a police barricade on his way to Parliament, walking with a group of protesters. Interestingly, police allow the group through without confrontation. 

10:27 AM : Maraga and Babu Owino Join Protesters
Former Chief Justice David Maraga joins demonstrators in Nairobi CBD, adding gravitas to the protests. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is also present, further signaling growing political support for the Gen Z:led movement. 

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10:19 AM : Kisii Tensions Escalate
Protesters light a tyre to block a road in Kisii. Despite the disruption, the protests remain largely peaceful, with police maintaining a watchful presence. 

10:14 AM : Lang’ata Locked Down
Police have completely sealed off Lang’ata Road near the Madaraka Roundabout. No movement is being allowed in or out. Officers are also stationed around Nyayo Stadium. At Haile Selassie Avenue, police disperse motorbike protesters attempting to access the CBD. 

9:56 AM : Teargas Clouds the Nairobi CBD
Police fire teargas at crowds at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, and near Central Police Station along University Way. 

9:52 AM : Kisii Protesters Chant and Whistle
Protesters in Kisii take to the streets, chanting “Wantam” and blowing whistles as they march in defiance. 

9:43 AM : Candlelight Tribute in Nairobi
In the heart of the Nairobi CBD, protesters light candles in memory of fallen Gen Z heroes. Crowds continue to grow steadily. 

9:40 AM : Calm in Kisumu
Unlike other cities, Kisumu remains calm. Streets are clear, and traffic flows normally as most residents stay away from the protests. 

9:30 AM : Mombasa Joins the Movement
In Mombasa City, protesters wave Kenyan flags, hold placards, and dance through the streets. Back in Nairobi, Moi Avenue sees surging crowds, full of energy and chants. 

9:24 AM : Political Leaders Blocked at Parliament
Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa are turned away after attempting to lay wreaths at Parliament. Authorities deny them access. 

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9:20 AM : Prayers and Justice Pledge
Kalonzo and Wamalwa hold prayers at Holy Family Basilica before attempting to deliver wreaths in honour of the slain. They also reiterate calls for justice and accountability. 

8:50 AM : Justice Commission Announced
Opposition leaders unveil the People’s Justice Commission, chaired by former CS Justin Muturi. The body aims to seek justice for Gen Zs killed in last year’s protests and push for state accountability. 

8:18 AM : Heavy Security Near State House
Reports confirm a ring:fence around State House Road. Protesters are reportedly planning to symbolically “occupy State House.” Police have tightened access. 

7:16 AM : City Lockdown Intensifies
Police block several major arteries leading into the CBD: Jogoo Road, Ngong Road, Limuru Road, Kiambu Road, and Mombasa Road. Impromptu checks are being conducted. 

Jogoo Road: Roadblock near City Stadium 

Mombasa Road: Roadblock near JKIA 

Limuru Road: Roadblock near Embassy of Israel 

Kiambu Road: Roadblock near Runda Mall 

7:00 AM : Parliament Fortified
Authorities erect barriers around Parliament, deploying water cannons and riot officers. Last year, protesters breached Parliament in dramatic scenes:officials are taking no chances this time. 

5:00 AM : CS Murkomen Tours City at Dawn
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen walks through Nairobi with top police bosses, including IG Douglas Kanja, ahead of the protests. Security strategy appears firmly in place. 

What’s at Stake Today 

This protest isn’t just another march: it’s a statement. The youth are demanding justice, accountability, and systemic reform. With emotions high and the government on high alert, the nation is watching closely. 

Stay tuned for continuous updates.