Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has defended the decision to restrict access to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, insisting that the operation was aimed at keeping criminals out of the city rather than stopping peaceful protesters.
Speaking to the press on Thursday 25th June 2026, Issa said police officers stationed along major routes into the capital were conducting security checks to identify suspected criminals and prevent potential disruptions.
“We were not closing the roads; we were just sieving the bandits and other criminals,” he said. “It’s not like we closed the roads; we have been letting people pass.”
The police operation saw officers barricade several key roads leading into the CBD, including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, Lang’ata Road, Kiambu Road and Uhuru Highway.
The restrictions caused major transport disruptions, leaving many commuters stranded and forcing others to walk long distances to their workplaces.
Despite criticism from some Kenyans, Issa maintained that the measures were necessary to safeguard the city as thousands prepared to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.
He urged demonstrators to allow normal economic activities to continue, saying businesses and workers should not be adversely affected by the commemorations.
“If they are really Kenyans, let them leave now so that wananchi can open their businesses. They should not consider only one side,” he said.
While expressing sympathy for families who lost loved ones during the 2024 protests, the commander emphasized the need for the country to move forward.
“For those who died, we are sorry, but for those who are alive, life must continue. Therefore, it is over now; activists can go their way. Closing the roads helped to save us from criminals,” he added.
On arrests made during the operation, Issa confirmed that several suspects had been detained and taken to various police stations, although he could not immediately provide the exact number.
“I don’t know the number, but various people have been arrested and are in different parts of our stations,” he said.
