The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security advisory to American citizens residing in or travelling to Kenya, warning of potential demonstrations across the country ahead of the June 25 anniversary of anti-government protests.
In the advisory released on June 18, the embassy cautioned that demonstrations could occur at any time, but the likelihood is expected to be higher around June 25. The alert identified major urban centres, including Nairobi’s Central Business District, as high-risk areas where large crowds may gather.
“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 advisory stated.
The embassy warned that any demonstrations could lead to significant traffic disruptions, congestion, and roadblocks erected by both protesters and law enforcement agencies. American citizens were urged to exercise heightened vigilance and avoid areas where demonstrations or large crowds may form.
Specific safety recommendations issued to U.S. citizens include monitoring local media for updates, keeping vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up while travelling, notifying friends and family of their whereabouts, reviewing personal security plans, and carrying a copy of their U.S. passport with a valid Kenyan visa.
The planned demonstrations are expected to commemorate the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests, which triggered widespread unrest across the country and became one of the most significant youth-led protest movements in Kenya’s recent history. Families of protest victims have notified police of planned peaceful marches to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on June 25, 2026, to demand justice for those killed during the 2024 protests.
The families have outlined several demands, including investigations and prosecution of officers involved, a formal government apology, and the declaration of June 25 as a national Remembrance Day for victims. Similar vigils and commemorations are expected in all 47 counties.
Police have granted conditional approval of the demonstrations, stating that organisers are free to hold peaceful marches across the country but warning that any disruption of public order will not be tolerated.
Source: U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya, State Department for Children Services
