Kisii Town Remains Calm as Security Tightened During June 25 Commemorations

By Our Reporter Innocent Makori

Kisii Town remained largely peaceful on Thursday, June 25, as security officers maintained a strong presence around Capital Roundabout during nationwide commemorations marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests.

A spot check across the town showed that most businesses had opened their doors as usual, with traders, transport operators, and residents going about their daily activities without major disruptions. Traffic flowed normally along key roads, while shoppers continued to frequent the town’s commercial areas.

The heightened security deployment comes as Kenyans across the country remember the young people who lost their lives during the June 25, 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill. The protests, largely driven by Gen Z activists, became a defining moment in the country’s recent history after demonstrators stormed Parliament and security forces responded with force, resulting in deaths, injuries, and widespread public outrage.

In Kisii, officers were strategically stationed around Capital Roundabout and other key locations to maintain order and prevent any potential disturbances. Despite the visible security presence, the atmosphere in town remained calm throughout the day.

For many Kenyans, June 25 is more than a date on the calendar. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by young people who took to the streets demanding accountability, better governance, and greater public participation in decision-making. Families of victims, civil society groups, and activists have continued to call for justice and remembrance of those who lost their lives during the protests.

As the country reflects on the events of June 25, 2024, residents in Kisii expressed hope for a peaceful commemoration that honors the fallen while promoting dialogue and national unity.

The calm witnessed in Kisii Town stood in contrast to concerns over possible unrest, with business owners welcoming the peaceful environment that allowed economic activities to continue uninterrupted while the nation remembered those who paid the ultimate price during last year’s demonstrations.