Katiba Institute Sues State Over Nairobi Lockdown During Gen Z Protest Anniversary
Nairobi – Katiba Institute has filed a petition at the High Court accusing the government of unlawfully locking down Nairobi’s Central Business District during the June 25 Gen Z protest anniversary. The lawsuit names Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor as respondents.
The group argues that the police operation violated constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free movement under Articles 37 and 39 of Kenya’s Constitution.
The petition was filed after police sealed off roads leading into the CBD with armored vehicles, roadblocks, and razor wire. The action came as youth-led protests returned to the streets to mark one year since police shot and killed dozens during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
“The blocking of roads without prior notice or legal basis is unconstitutional and threatens to roll back Kenya’s hard-earned democratic gains,” the Institute stated.
According to Katiba Institute, the lockdown contradicted multiple High Court rulings including Katiba Institute v Inspector General of Police (E349 of 2024) and Law Society of Kenya v Kithinji (E373 of 2024) which barred blanket bans on protests within the CBD.
Protesters who attempted to enter the city center on Wednesday found themselves cut off by police barricades, which extended to key roads such as Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and Haile Selassie Avenue. Police also restricted pedestrian movement around Parliament and government buildings.
The petition calls for the immediate removal of the roadblocks and a permanent court order requiring authorities to give prior notice for any future non-emergency closures. It also seeks an injunction barring the government from enforcing blanket bans on movement or assembly without legal justification.
“This case is about more than just access to roads,” Katiba Institute emphasized. “It is about protecting Kenya’s constitutional future and ensuring the rule of law is upheld.”
The protest anniversary saw youth in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru demand accountability for last year’s killings and renewed calls to end police violence. While some cities experienced clashes between demonstrators and police, others saw peaceful marches.
Government officials have yet to respond to the legal petition. The court is expected to set a hearing date later this week.
