DOZENS of Kenyans marched to the parliament building today to mark two years since at least 60 people died in anti-government protests, as police set up roadblocks to prevent access to the capital, Nairobi.

Families whose loved ones died in the 2024 protests that were triggered by tax increases said they were protesting over delayed justice and a lack of transparency in compensating the victims, after the government promised reparations.

President William Ruto last week said that the protest would be allowed but the government would also protect schoolchildren and workers and warned against any attempts by the demonstrators to “shut down the country.”

Police erected roadblocks on all major highways around Nairobi, the parliament building was barricaded and businesses were closed.

Opposition leaders backed the protests, calling for transparency in the $15 million (£11m) government’s compensation programme.

During the June 2024 protests, thousands of young Kenyans stormed the parliament building in opposition to a proposed increase in taxes despite the soaring cost of living. 

Police opened fire outside the building, killing dozens.

President Ruto last week said the government compensation represents “a state acknowledgment that harm occurred” but was not an admission of guilt. 

Gillian Munyao, whose son, Rex Masai, also was killed, said compensation doesn’t bring justice and issued a call to “arrest the killer cops.”