Photos: Frontline action as protestors engage police in running battles along Thika road, Nairobi CBD

Chaos erupted in the heart of Nairobi as what was expected to be a peaceful Gen Z protest spiralled into scenes of intense drama and violence.

The streets, once meant for unity and remembrance, became battlegrounds filled with gunshots, tear gas fumes, and the thunderous echo of anti-Ruto chants.

On Wednesday, June 25, a year after the tragic 2024 protests that claimed the lives of scores of young Kenyans, thousands poured into the Central Business District to honour the fallen. However, the anniversary quickly turned into a day of confrontation and turmoil.

By mid-morning, demonstrators chanting slogans against President William Ruto clashed with heavily armed police. A now-viral video showed police appearing overwhelmed by a surging wave of protesters.

As the crowd charged forward, officers were seen retreating, scrambling into trucks, and speeding off as stones rained down from furious youth.

But the sense of victory among protesters was short-lived. Within minutes, clouds of tear gas filled the air, signalling the return of the riot police.

Running battles broke out across various streets, as demonstrators ducked canisters and regrouped in alleyways, determined to press on with their mission.

Amid the chaos, tension continued to build. What had started as a solemn march turned into a full-blown confrontation between citizens and the state.

The police, equipped with armoured vehicles and riot gear, were seen employing aggressive tactics to disperse crowds, but the youth remained defiant.

In response to the escalating events, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a directive that sent shockwaves through newsrooms across the country.

All television and radio stations were ordered to halt live coverage of the protests, with the CA threatening to switch off signals of those who defied the order.

"The live coverage of the June 25 demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998," read a statement from CA. "Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action."

Despite the stern warning, major media houses held their ground. The Standard Media Group openly defied the order, stating that it was consulting legal experts while continuing its broadcasts.

"We will not be intimidated into silence," the media house declared. "This is not the first time CA has tried to censor the press."

Citizen TV, under Royal Media Services, also continued airing the demonstrations live, before later switching to studio-based discussions. The move drew both praise and criticism online, with many Kenyans commending the outlets for standing with the people.

Beyond Nairobi, similar scenes played out in towns and cities across the country. From Mombasa to Kisumu, Nakuru to Eldoret, the call to remember fallen comrades brought thousands to the streets.

The common thread among them: a shared outrage over the events of June 2024, when demonstrators stormed Parliament and faced lethal force from state security agencies.

PHOTOS: David Gichuru, Standard.