NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 25 – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has defended the extensive barricades and road closures imposed around Nairobi’s CBD during the June 25 protest anniversary, insisting the measures were based on intelligence reports warning of possible attempts to infiltrate demonstrations and trigger unrest.

Speaking on Thursday as Kenyans commemorated the first anniversary of the anti-Finance Bill protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament in 2024, Kanja maintained that the security operation was necessary to safeguard lives and property while allowing peaceful demonstrators to exercise their constitutional rights.

“What we are doing is what we refer to as intelligence-led policing,” Kanja said when questioned about the widespread roadblocks that disrupted transport and restricted access to the city centre from as early as 4 am.

“If there are indications that there are those planning to introduce trouble in Nairobi and elsewhere, we do not allow that to happen. We have a lot of information and intelligence on what is likely to happen, and every action you see the National Police Service taking is guided by available information.”

The police chief’s remarks came amid criticism from sections of the public and human rights groups who argued that the heavy security deployment inconvenienced thousands of commuters and businesses despite government assurances that the demonstrations would be allowed to proceed peacefully.

By Thursday morning, Nairobi’s usually vibrant CBD had been transformed into a near-deserted zone.

Major roads leading into the city centre were barricaded, public service vehicles were stopped at various checkpoints, and many businesses opted to remain closed amid uncertainty surrounding the commemorative protests.

Despite the restrictions, Kanja described the security situation across the country as calm and under control.

“Our country is safe and secure from north to south and from east to west,” he said.

“We have seen people laying flowers at Parliament, and they were escorted by police peacefully. The reports I am receiving from commanders in the field indicate that everything is running well.”

The Inspector General particularly cited the calm witnessed in areas previously associated with violent demonstrations, including Nairobi’s informal settlements.

“We are here in Kitengela, and everybody can see that it is very quiet. People are continuing with their activities peacefully,” he said, praising residents and security officers for maintaining order.

“Previously, we have seen Kitengela on fire, but this time things are very different.”

Across Nairobi, security officers maintained a heavy presence at key entry points into the CBD, including Jogoo Road, City Stadium, Uhuru Highway, and Bunyala Road, where movement was closely monitored.

The anniversary demonstrations drew opposition leaders, activists, and relatives of victims of the 2024 protests to Parliament Buildings, where they laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives during last year’s unrest.

At the same time, groups of young people gathered in different parts of the city, chanting slogans and staging peaceful processions. In some unusual scenes, skaters and football players occupied roads normally clogged by traffic, while boda boda operators capitalised on transport disruptions to ferry stranded commuters into the city centre.

Kanja reiterated that police had no intention of interfering with lawful demonstrations, stressing that the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, picket and petition authorities.

However, he warned that authorities would continue acting on intelligence to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the protests.

Asked about reports of arrests involving several young protesters and activists, the police chief said all cases would be handled in accordance with the law.

“Any person who has been arrested will go through the normal legal process. The available evidence will be reviewed, and if it can stand in a court of law, the person will be presented before the court. If not, they will be released immediately,” he said.

He also sought to reassure residents and business owners concerned about possible looting or insecurity later in the day, saying security agencies remained fully prepared.

“People should rest assured that security is fully provided for,” Kanja said, while emphasizing that maintaining peace remains a shared responsibility between security agencies, the media and members of the public.

The commemorations mark a year since the historic June 25, 2024, demonstrations that saw protesters breach Parliament in opposition to the Finance Bill, triggering a national conversation on governance, accountability and youth participation in public affairs.