By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 25 June 2026 - The government has reported the arrest of 355 people across the country during Thursday's June 25 anniversary demonstrations, even as it praised Kenyans for largely peaceful protests marked by minimal disruption and no widespread incidents of looting or injuries.
In his state of address on the demonstrations at Harambee house, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the demonstrations demonstrated growing political maturity, noting that families and friends of those who lost their lives during previous protests were able to hold peaceful commemorative processions in Nairobi and Mombasa.
"Firstly, I would like to commend all Kenyans for heeding the Government's call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities today," Murkomen said.
He added that no widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes or injuries linked to the demonstrations had been reported.
Murkomen said security agencies mounted screening operations along major highways leading into Nairobi following intelligence reports that criminal elements were being transported into the city to disrupt peace and cause disorder.
While acknowledging that the measures inconvenienced some members of the public, he maintained that they contributed to maintaining calm in the capital.
"We regret the inconvenience caused, but these measures helped maintain relative calm in Nairobi," he said.
According to the Interior Ministry, most towns across the country continued with normal activities, although police arrested 355 individuals accused of committing various offences under the guise of participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123 and Kiambu with 36.
Other counties that registered arrests included Murang'a (12), Bungoma (9), Meru (6), Laikipia (5), and Machakos (3).
The ministry reported no arrests in the North Eastern, Nyanza and Coast regions.
Those arrested are expected to face charges ranging from robbery and vandalism to obstruction of roads and attempted theft.
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Murkomen also confirmed that the Assistant Chief of Kariti Sub-Location in Murang'a County, Anthony Gathungu, was injured after allegedly being attacked by individuals attempting to erect a barricade in Kandara.
The administrator was treated at Kagunduini Health Centre and later discharged in stable condition.
The Interior CS said the events of the day demonstrated that constitutional rights can be exercised peacefully without compromising public order.
"Today's events prove that when demonstrations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, peace and security are guaranteed," he said.
"This is the political culture we should encourage and promote as a country."
He, however, expressed hope that future demonstrations would have less impact on people not directly involved in the protests.
Murkomen commended security agencies for what he termed professionalism in handling the demonstrations and also thanked journalists and media houses for responsible coverage.
"We all have an equal stake in the future of our country; let us guard our peace and stability jealously," he said.
The June 25 demonstrations were held to commemorate the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests, which sparked nationwide debate on governance, accountability and police conduct.