By Mandere Onyinkwa
A coalition of human rights and governance organisations has accused the government and police of violating constitutional rights during Thursday’s Gen Z memorial protests.
The Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) cited widespread roadblocks, arbitrary arrests and the disruption of peaceful demonstrations across the country.
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In a joint statement, the organisations said police actions during the 25 June memorial protests contradicted assurances by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen that peaceful and unarmed demonstrators would be protected.
The group claimed that Kenyans woke up to extensive police barricades and roadblocks on major routes leading into Nairobi and around Parliament Buildings, with similar restrictions reported in Embu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Laikipia and Kiambu counties.
“These blanket restrictions denied millions of Kenyans access to work, business premises, and essential services,” the statement said, arguing that the measures violated constitutional provisions on freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly.
According to the coalition, demonstrations were held in at least 14 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyamira, Nakuru and Kiambu.
The group expressed particular concern over reports that families of victims of the June 2025 anti-government protests were prevented from laying flowers outside Parliament in remembrance of their loved ones.
“The laying of flowers is a peaceful expression protected under Article 37,” the statement said. “Criminalising such acts dishonours the memory of victims and violates the dignity of grieving families.”
The PRWG also alleged that police used tear gas against peaceful protesters and journalists outside Nairobi’s Central Police Station and arrested several members of the press.
It further raised concerns over reports of armed police officers operating while masked and without identification, contrary to existing court orders.
The coalition said arrests in Kitengela and Rongai targeted individuals accused of mobilising participation in the memorial protests, arguing that organising peaceful assemblies is protected under the Constitution.
According to the statement, more than 361 people were arrested during the protests, including 161 in Nairobi and 123 in Kajiado County, while two injuries were reported in Kajiado.
The organisations said many of the arrests lacked lawful justification and raised concerns about arbitrary detention.
However, the group praised police officers in Mombasa for facilitating peaceful demonstrations without interference.
“The conduct of police officers in Mombasa should serve as a model nationwide,” the statement said.
The coalition called on the National Police Service to facilitate peaceful assemblies, cease unlawful arrests, investigate alleged misconduct and ensure accountability for violations.
It also urged Parliament and the Judiciary to safeguard constitutional freedoms and uphold court orders relating to public demonstrations.
The statement was signed by more than 20 civil society organisations, including Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, Katiba Institute, ICJ Kenya and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit.
