June 25 Protests: Kenyans Lay Flowers on Razor Wire Set Up by Police Around Parliament
- Kenyans laid flowers on a razor fence outside Parliament to honour victims of the 2024 protests, turning a symbol of state force into a site of mourning
- Police officers allowed mourners to approach the barricade peacefully and were seen guiding them without confrontation or hostility
- June 25 unfolded as a solemn day of remembrance, led by Gen Z activists marking the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations
- The sight of floral tributes on barbed wire struck a national chord, symbolising both grief for the fallen and quiet defiance
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
In a powerful moment of symbolism and sorrow, Kenyans have laid flowers on the razor wire fence set up by police outside Parliament buildings to honour those killed during last year’s anti-finance bill demonstrations.
Source: Twitter
On Wednesday, June 25, the barbed barricade, set up by the National Police Service as part of heightened security around Parliament Road, became a site of national reflection.
How did Kenyans interact with police officers?
Peaceful protesters walked up to the wall set around the National Assembly with wreaths and bouquets.
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Though Parliament remains a restricted zone, police officers on the ground allowed the youth to walk up to the wire and lay down their tributes in what quickly became the emotional centre of the day’s memorial protest.
Police were seen guiding groups of peaceful demonstrators toward the perimeter without any incident.
There were no reports of confrontation, and officers mingled freely with the crowd, offering direction and keeping a watchful but non-aggressive presence.
Organised by youth activists, mostly Gen Z, the June 25 memorial protest had been widely anticipated to commemorate victims of police brutality, particularly during the 2024 nationwide protests.
The sight of floral tributes on the razor wire struck a chord with many across the country, marking not just a tribute to those killed but also an indictment of the state’s heavy-handed response to civic action.
How did Kenyan police prepare for June 25?
Behind the scenes, authorities had taken no chances, with massive security deployments rolled out across the capital.
Source: Twitter
The razor wire was strung along Parliament Road and nearby government buildings, forming a clear message that public access to the symbolic seat of power would not be tolerated.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had issued stern warnings ahead of the protest, cautioning against "provocation, propaganda, and trespassing into protected zones."
Several political leaders, while acknowledging the public’s right to demonstrate, also warned against what they described as acts of lawlessness.
The protest comes amid growing disillusionment among Kenyan youth over joblessness, rising living costs, and what they see as a widening gap between the political class and the citizens.
Anti-riot police officers were also deployed at key entry points before the start of the demonstrations.
Roads leading to the city centre, including the route from Yaya Centre, were sealed off at the DOD roundabout.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and boda boda operators have also been barred from accessing the CBD as authorities move to restrict movement and prevent disruption.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
