On the first day of nationwide protests organized by the Azimio La Umoja coalition, the streets of various towns across Kenya were marked by closed businesses, disrupted transport, and clashes between demonstrators and police. The opposition coalition, led by Raila Odinga, intensified their anti-government stance, blaming the Kenya Kwanza administration for the escalating cost of living and accusing the top leadership of being unresponsive to the pleas of the Kenyan people.

In addition to demanding relief from the high cost of living, Azimio La Umoja also called for their involvement in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), claiming that the government aimed to weaken the electoral body ahead of the 2027 elections. They further demanded that the IEBC open its election servers for an audit, adding to the list of grievances against the government.

The protests drew a swift response from President William Ruto's camp, which vowed to deploy all available resources to protect property and maintain peace during the demonstrations. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki cautioned protestors against resorting to violence, emphasizing that the government would not allow the country to descend into anarchy.

As tensions escalated, the government withdrew the security details of prominent opposition figures, including Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Mama Ngina Kenyatta, raising concerns about their safety during the protests.

Throughout the day, incidents of clashes between protestors and law enforcement officers were reported from various locations. Teargas was fired at demonstrators in Nakuru's Sharable estate, while police engaged in running battles with rowdy youth in areas such as Shabaab, Mathare, and Kibra. Reports of arrests, bonfires, and disruptions to transport further characterized the volatile situation on the streets.

The Catholic Bishops also added their voice to the ongoing unrest, urging President Ruto to repeal the Finance Act, 2023, as a means to address the grievances expressed by the protestors.

As day one of the protests unfolded, all eyes remained on the opposition and the government, with the nation bracing for two more days of demonstrations and heightened political tension.