355 arrested as security officers accost grieving families
National
By
Pkemoi Ng'enoh
| Jun 26, 2026
Human rights activists carry a symbolic coffin during Gen Z anniversary protests in Mombasa, on June 25, 2026. [Robert Menza, Standard]
At least 355 people were arrested across the country during the Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.
Nairobi County accounted for the highest number of arrests, with 161, followed by Kajiado (123), Kiambu (36), Murang'a (12), Bungoma (9), Meru (6), Laikipia (5) and Machakos (3).
However, no arrests were reported in the Nyanza, North Eastern and Mombasa regions, although the number could rise as police continue updating records from stations across the country.
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In Murang'a, a chief reportedly sustained injuries following an attack by a group of individuals who were attempting to erect a barricade at Kenol.
Among those arrested in Nairobi was Ezekiel Kyama, the man who stormed Parliament in 2024 and had reportedly been missing for about two years.
According to friends and relatives, Kyama was among the protesters who were marching towards Parliament Buildings. He was booked at the Central Police Station.
Murkomen said those arrested would be arraigned in court to face various charges, including robbery, vandalism, road obstruction and attempted theft.
Even so, the CS downplayed claims that the country's economy had been crippled, particularly in Nairobi, where police erected barriers to block access to the city centre.
Some of those arrested in Nairobi were activists who were bundled into police trucks and taken to Central Police Station.
Police mount a roadblock on Thika Super Highway in Nairobi during the Gen Z anniversary protests, on June 25, 2026. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]
Another group that had gathered in an attempt to storm the station was dispersed with tear gas in the afternoon.
Among those who escaped arrest were former Chief Justice David Maraga and Gillian Munyao, mother of Rex Masai, who was shot dead during the Gen Z protests in 2024 along Mama Ngina Street.
Munyao said it was unfair for the State to use excessive force when the families had notified the police of their intention to visit Parliament Buildings.
She added that while the State had announced plans to compensate the families, no amount of money could heal the pain inflicted on them.
Maraga accused the police of using excessive force against families of victims who were killed outside Parliament during the anti-Finance Bill protests that left at least 65 people dead.
"As we were heading to Parliament Buildings, a police vehicle carrying armed officers came up behind us with sirens blaring and, before we could do anything, they ordered us to leave immediately," Maraga said.
The former Chief Justice accused the government of trying to bury the fact that innocent young people were killed while fighting for good governance.
"They don't want to be held accountable. They want that incident to be forgotten and to ensure that the families who lost their loved ones do not get support to remember them."
On the State's plans to compensate the families, Maraga said President William Ruto ought to make a public apology for the grievous crimes committed by the security apparatus under his administration.
The former CJ said the Head of State should then commit to ensuring that those responsible for the atrocities were held accountable.
"That way, Kenyans will be satisfied that justice has been done for the families of those who lost their loved ones," Maraga added.