Thousands of protesters took to Kenya's streets on Wednesday to mark a year since people stormed parliament at the peak of anti-government demonstrations.

There was a heavy police presence and the roads leading to parliament were barricaded with razor wire, as was President William Ruto’s state house office.

Activists and families of victims have called for peaceful demonstrations to mark a year since the deadliest day of the unrest when parliament was invaded by protesters in June 2024.

But some called to "OccupyStateHouse" - referring to the Nairobi office of President William Ruto - and many schools and businesses were closed for fear of unrest.

Major roads blocked

Early on Wednesday, police blocked major roads leading into the capital’s central business district.

Thousands of protesters, almost entirely young men, waved Kenyan flags and placards with pictures of demonstrators killed last year.

"I've come here as a Kenyan youth to protest, it is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here... they are supposed to protect us but they kill us," Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman told AFP news agency.

"It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them... who are fighting for good governance," said Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party.

Police violence

As well as marking the anniversary, anger has flared over alleged police violence, particularly after a teacher was killed in custody earlier this month following his arrest for criticising a senior officer.

Police said protests are permitted as long as they are "peaceful and unarmed".

There is deep resentment against Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress.

Many have been disillusioned by continued stagnation, alleged corruption and high taxes, even after last year's protests forced Ruto to cancel the unpopular finance bill.