Police ban anti-government protests in Nairobi CBD
A man shouts slogans along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on July 16, 2024, during anti-government protests.
Police have banned anti-government protests in Nairobi's Central Business District and surrounding areas, citing difficulties in enforcing safety protocols due to the leaderless approach of the protesters.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 17, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said they have credible intelligence that organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to carry out attacks, including looting.
He added that criminals had continued to infiltrate the protest groups, resulting in a disturbing trend of disorderly and destructive conduct.
Since the public demonstrations by youth began in June, he said, the country has seen many people injured, lives lost, property and businesses destroyed and livelihoods lost.
The youth-led protests against the government, which began with demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024, continued with the youth pressuring President William Ruto to crack the whip on incompetent and corrupt Cabinet secretaries, among other demands.
This forced the Head of State to withdraw the Bill. He also sacked all members of his Cabinet except Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have died in the ongoing protests.
The police have been accused of using excessive force against the protesters.
