Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused the government of interfering with the constitutional right of Kenyans to hold peaceful assemblies and demonstrations.
He made the remarks on Thursday after he and a group of opposition leaders were blocked from accessing Parliament while attempting to honor victims of the June 25 anti-government protests.
Orengo joined leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa in a march to Parliament Buildings where they intended to lay wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives during demonstrations held in 2024 and 2025.
However, their plans were disrupted after security officers sealed off all entry points to Parliament using large barbed wire barricades.
The area around Parliament and major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District was heavily guarded by police officers.
Access to several sections of the city was restricted as authorities sought to manage the nationwide protests and maintain security.
Speaking to journalists after the march, Orengo said the government had deliberately used police deployment and roadblocks to prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.
He maintained that peaceful picketing is protected by law and should not be obstructed.
The governor further proposed that June 25 be officially recognized as a national day of mourning to honor those who died while advocating for better leadership and governance.
According to him, the sacrifices made by the victims should be remembered every year.
Orengo said their attempt to lay wreaths was unsuccessful because Parliament had been completely barricaded. He added that efforts to commemorate the victims would continue in the coming years.
He also argued that the day could not be treated as an ordinary one because many families were still grieving loved ones who lost their lives during the protests.
The Siaya governor also alleged that some individuals causing disturbances in Nairobi were working alongside police officers to intimidate peaceful mourners and demonstrators.
He claimed that families gathering to remember those who died were being harassed.Across Nairobi, many businesses remained closed while movement was disrupted as people stayed away from the city center due to concerns over possible unrest.
Public transport services in some areas were also affected.Meanwhile, the Kenya Human Rights Commission called for the immediate removal of road barricades erected across the city.
The organization argued that police actions violated a court ruling that bars authorities from blocking public roads without prior notice.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja defended the security measures, saying they were based on intelligence reports. He stated that the barricades were meant to prevent individuals from entering the city to cause chaos and disrupt public order.
Kanja also confirmed that several arrests had been made and said those found responsible for any unlawful activities would face legal action through the courts.
