Thursday July 18, 2024
Protesters hold placards in the Nairobi CBD while demonstrating over the Finance Bill on June 20, 2024. Image: DENIS GATUMA
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Kenyan police have banned all protests in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) following a series of violent demonstrations that have resulted in numerous casualties and significant property damage. Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced the ban late Wednesday, citing "credible intelligence" that organized criminal groups intended to exploit the protests for criminal activities, including looting.
The protests, initially peaceful, began last month in opposition to a proposed finance bill that included tax hikes. Although President William Ruto has since withdrawn the bill and dismissed his entire cabinet in an effort to quell the unrest, demonstrations have continued. The protests have evolved into a broader movement against corruption, poor governance, and police brutality, with many calling for Ruto's resignation.
Since the demonstrations began on June 18, at least 50 people have been killed and over 400 injured, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The protests, primarily organized and driven by young Kenyans using social media platforms, have seen participants clash with police forces in multiple cities, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyeri.
Prominent demonstrator Hanifa Edan highlighted concerns about the infiltration of protests by "goons," a sentiment echoed by many participants and observed by journalists. This infiltration has led to increased violence and disorder, further complicating the situation for both demonstrators and law enforcement.
In response to the ongoing unrest, police have deployed heavily across Nairobi, particularly around areas like Uhuru Park, where protesters had planned to gather. Officers have utilized tear gas and other measures to disperse crowds, leading to sporadic clashes and further escalating tensions.
Despite the ban, calls for protests persist online, with many young Kenyans, referred to as Generation Z, continuing to mobilize against what they see as systemic issues within the government. These youth-led protests, lacking formal leadership, have posed a unique challenge to law enforcement, complicating efforts to maintain order and ensure public safety.
The situation remains tense, with police urging the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities. Several diplomatic missions in Nairobi have also issued an advisory to its citizens, warning them to stay indoors due to the anticipated demonstrations.
As Kenya braces for the next phase of this unrest, the government's handling of the protests and the public's response will likely have significant implications for the country's political and social landscape.