U.S. Embassy Warns Citizens Ahead of June 25 Protests as Kenya Marks Anniversary of Finance Bill Demonstrations
The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert to American citizens in Kenya ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations on June 25, warning of possible disruptions, roadblocks, and heightened security risks as the country prepares to mark the anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
In an advisory dated June 18, the embassy cautioned that demonstrations expected in Nairobi and other major urban centres could significantly affect movement and public activities, particularly in the capital’s Central Business District (CBD).
The embassy warned that both protesters and security agencies could erect roadblocks, leading to traffic congestion and travel delays.
“Traffic disruptions, congestion, and roadblocks by protestors and police may occur during this period,” the advisory stated.
American citizens were urged to avoid demonstration areas, stay away from large crowds, monitor local media for developments, and remain vigilant regarding their personal security.
The embassy also issued practical safety recommendations, advising U.S. nationals to keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up while travelling, carry copies of their passports and valid Kenyan visas, review emergency plans, and keep relatives and friends informed of their whereabouts.
The warning comes as activists, opposition figures, and families of victims prepare for demonstrations intended to commemorate those affected during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which sparked unprecedented youth-led demonstrations across the country.
According to the embassy, the significance of June 25 means demonstrations could occur with little notice.
“June 25 is the anniversary of protests that occurred in Kenya during the past two years. Demonstrations may occur at any time, but the potential for protests is higher around June 25,” the embassy added.
The planned commemorative events have already gathered momentum, with prominent political and civil society leaders stepping forward to support the initiative.
On Wednesday, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and activist Boniface Mwangi led a symbolic march to Parliament.
The delegation, accompanied by relatives of individuals affected during the 2024 demonstrations, formally notified Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of plans to hold peaceful nationwide marches on June 25.
The group is also pushing for June 25 to be officially recognised as a public holiday in honour of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during last year’s protests.
The demonstrations are expected to reignite public debate over accountability and justice for victims of alleged human rights abuses linked to previous protests.
In what many observers view as a significant development ahead of the anniversary, the government announced on June 15 that compensation for victims of human rights violations connected to demonstrations between 2017 and 2024 could begin as early as next week.
The announcement followed the presentation of the Report on the Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) at State House, Nairobi.
According to the commission, a total of 1,815 compensation claims have so far been documented, underscoring the scale of grievances stemming from years of protest-related incidents.
With emotions surrounding the anniversary running high and organisers promising peaceful demonstrations, attention is now turning to how authorities will manage the gatherings and whether the events will proceed without the violence and confrontations that characterised some of the protests witnessed in recent years.
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