On 25 June 2026, at least 355 protesters were arrested during nationwide demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests. Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests, with 161 people detained. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior stated that those arrested could face charges including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads and attempted theft.
The scale of the arrests raises concerns about the protection of freedom of peaceful assembly and the possible broad use of criminal charges against protesters. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights called on the public to report cases of arrest or missing persons, reflecting wider concerns about the treatment and whereabouts of demonstrators.
Civil society organisations responded by activating support mechanisms, with the Law Society of Kenya and the Defenders Coalition establishing hotlines to assist those arrested, missing or otherwise affected by the demonstrations.
The scale of the arrests and the need for emergency support indicate the current restrictive enabling environment for civil society, particularly for groups supporting peaceful protest and accountability. This discourages participation, weakens trust in public institutions and increases the risks faced by civil society actors working to protect fundamental freedoms.