Kenyan police have banned protests in Nairobi’s city center and surrounding areas “until further notice,” citing the leaderless nature of the demonstrations, which has made it difficult to ensure safety. This decision follows a month of anti-government protests in which many people have been killed. More protests are scheduled for Thursday.
Nairobi’s city center has been the focal point of these youth-led protests, which have also occurred nationwide. Initially sparked by unpopular tax increases, the protests have expanded to include demands for President William Ruto’s resignation, even after the tax increases were withdrawn.
Online posters have called for people to gather on Thursday at Uhuru Park in the city center before marching to State House, the president’s official residence. Late on Wednesday, the police announced that “no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.”
The ban has caused outrage online, with some arguing that the police lack the authority to impose such a ban, as Kenyan law grants citizens the right to hold demonstrations. There is already a significant police presence in the capital in anticipation of the protests.
Acting head of police Douglas Kanja stated that the decision was made after receiving “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests.” He added that criminals have infiltrated the protesting groups, leading to disorderly and destructive behavior. The lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has also made it difficult to enforce safety protocols.
Since the protests began, the president has conceded to some of the protesters’ demands, including withdrawing the contentious finance bill and dismissing his entire cabinet. The head of the police also resigned. However, calls for more action against bad governance and corruption persist, as well as demands for police accountability for the deaths of demonstrators at recent rallies.
According to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 protesters have been killed and 413 injured since the protests started on June 18.
