NAIROBI, Kenya, June 24 – Businesses in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) are set to shut down even as security measures are stepped up ahead of a planned anniversary protest by Gen Z youth to mark the uprising against the 2024 Finance Bill.
The commemoration, set for tomorrow, is expected to attract large crowds in remembrance of over 60 people who lost their lives during last year’s demonstrations.
Though organizers have billed the event as a peaceful protest and a call to end police brutality, anxiety remains high among business owners and tenants.
Several traders and office managers told Capital FM News that precautionary steps, including boarding up of storefronts and deploying extra security, are already underway.
“On June 25, I’m sure this whole building will be shut. It will not be business as usual and not just this building, but most of them,” said one trader in downtown Nairobi.
“We’ve seen a lot of police deployment when such things happen. Even supermarkets are reinforcing with grills.”
Last year’s demonstrations, which initially began as peaceful youth-led protests on the controversial Finance Bill, quickly escalated into a national movement.
The unrest prompted a heavy-handed police response and widespread damage to businesses and public infrastructure.
Despite the heightened tension, the government has downplayed the significance of the planned demonstration.
Speaking on a local radio station Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura insisted that June 25 would remain a regular working day.
“There will be no demonstrations on June 25. That day will be a normal working day,” said Mwaura. “Anyone who wishes to mark the day is free to do so at home.”
Meanwhile, calls for calm and restraint are growing both locally and internationally.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, speaking during a courtesy call by outgoing acting U.S. Ambassador Mark Dillard, expressed hope that the protests would remain peaceful.
Foreign envoys have also urged tolerance and nonviolence as Kenyans prepare to commemorate a day that has become a symbol of youth-led resistance and demands for accountability.
