Nairobi, Kenya
August 9, 2024
Tensions remained high in Nairobi and other major towns across Kenya on Thursday as peaceful demonstrations by youth pushing for sweeping governance and economic reforms continued.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, there were significant confrontations with police forces in the capital.
In Nairobi, police mounted roadblocks on major roads leading into the city on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of scores of Nane Nane protesters and would-be protesters. Arrests were made as individuals attempted to assemble on key roads such as Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, Kimathi Street, Mama Ngina Street, and Uhuru Highway. Plainclothes officers arrested the protesters, who were then bundled into police lorries stationed at strategic locations. The fate of those arrested remains unclear.
In an attempt to prevent the demonstrators from accessing the central business district, police fired tear gas at the crowds. The Dedan Kimathi monument on Kimathi Street became the epicenter of the protest activity. During the unrest, police also turned against local and international journalists covering the demonstrations, resulting in injuries to Cecilia Ngunjiri.
Earlier in the day, armed police mounted additional roadblocks on major roads leading into Nairobi, with particular focus on public transport vehicles, which were flagged down for inspection to isolate potential protesters. Similar police deployments were observed around protected areas and major government installations, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, State House, Parliament, Harambee House, Central Bank of Kenya, and Times Tower.
Key police checks were noted along Thika Road, near the Vincentian Retreat Centre, and Safari Park for Nairobi-bound traffic. Along Jogoo Road, a police checkpoint was mounted near City Stadium. All roads leading to State House were heavily barricaded by armed police, with truckloads and busloads of riot police on standby.
By the afternoon, police altered their strategy, clearing the city center by ordering matatus and boda bodas to leave and instructing traders to close their businesses. Several traders who were caught unawares faced the brunt of the police actions, leading to more arrests.
Outside Nairobi, heavy police deployment was observed across other cities, including Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu. In Kitengela, Kajiado County, at least seven protesters were arrested on Deliverance Road as they attempted to light a bonfire. A roadblock was mounted on the Namanga highway, with a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers patrolling the town. A helicopter hovered over the area, foiling plans by the youth to stage a protest by 1 p.m.
Despite reassurances from Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and County Commissioner James Taari, most businesses in Kitengela remained closed as a precaution against potential looting. By early afternoon, the town remained deserted, with minimal activity.
In the Coast region, youth refrained from participating in protests in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, expressing satisfaction with the inclusion of Hassan Ali Joho and Salim Mvurya in the Cabinet. In Mombasa, despite the absence of protesters, police maintained a strong presence, sealing off areas where youth typically congregate. Various entry points to Mombasa town were also heavily monitored.
Lamu and Kilifi towns remained calm, with no protests reported. Youth in Lamu, particularly the Generation Z community, expressed their support for the new Mining, Blue Economy, and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Ali Joho, who they view as a representative of their interests within the government. Residents expressed hope that Joho’s inclusion in President William Ruto’s Cabinet would lead to significant advancements in the Blue Economy sector.
The situation in Nairobi and other affected towns remains fluid, with ongoing police activity and uncertainty regarding the fate of those arrested.
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