NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 25— Regions historically associated with opposition-led street protests, including Nyanza, recorded no arrests during Thursday’s nationwide commemoration of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests, even as security agencies detained 355 people across the country.

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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the arrests were concentrated largely in Nairobi and counties bordering the capital, with Nairobi recording 161 arrests, Kajiado 123 and Kiambu 36.

The figures painted a markedly different picture from previous anti-government demonstrations, where Nyanza towns such as Kisumu frequently emerged as protest hotspots.

According to the Interior Ministry, no arrests were reported across the entire Nyanza, Coast and North Eastern regions during the anniversary demonstrations.

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Murkomen said the commemorations were largely peaceful nationwide, with authorities reporting no widespread incidents of looting, vandalism, violent clashes or protest-related injuries.

“Today is proof that when demonstrations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, peace and security are guaranteed,” Murkomen said in a national security update issued Thursday evening.

Beyond Nairobi, Kajiado and Kiambu, smaller numbers of arrests were reported in Murang’a (12), Bungoma (9), Meru (6), Laikipia (5) and Machakos (3).

The Interior Ministry said those arrested would face charges ranging from robbery and malicious damage to property to obstruction of roads and attempted theft.

The absence of arrests in Nyanza was particularly notable given the region’s long history as a centre of anti-government demonstrations.

Thursday’s events instead saw most towns in the region remain calm, mirroring a broader trend witnessed across much of the country as memorial activities proceeded without major confrontations.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya