Babu Owino visits Central Police Station to check on arrested June 25 protesters

Nairobi — Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on Friday visited the Central Police Station in Nairobi to check on protesters who were arrested during demonstrations held to mark the first anniversary of the June 25, 2025 anti-government protests.

The outspoken legislator arrived at the station accompanied by a team of lawyers and supporters, saying he wanted to establish the number of those arrested and ensure that their constitutional rights were being upheld.

Speaking outside the police station, Mr Owino condemned what he termed as arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators, insisting that Kenyans have a constitutional right to assemble and express their views.

“We are here to ensure that no Kenyan is unlawfully detained and that those arrested are accorded legal representation and treated humanely,” he said.

The MP said some of those arrested were young people who had joined fellow citizens in commemorating the events of June 25 last year, when widespread protests rocked the country over the controversial Finance Bill.

Family members and human rights activists also gathered outside the station seeking information about their relatives and demanding their immediate release.

Police had mounted heavy security across Nairobi’s central business district and other major towns ahead of the anniversary demonstrations, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

By Friday afternoon, police had not disclosed the exact number of people arrested during the commemorative protests.

The June 25 anniversary attracted demonstrators in several parts of the country, with participants calling for accountability, good governance and respect for civil liberties.