Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is witnessing a significant deployment of anti-riot security officers as the nation braces for planned protests in various parts of the city.
This deployment comes amidst heightened tensions following earlier protests that reportedly resulted in 22 fatalities earlier in the week.
Businesses in Nairobi have largely shuttered their doors, and key roads around important government buildings, including State House, have been blocked off. Local television broadcasts have shown images of deserted streets in the central business district, dominated by patrols of security personnel.
The planned demonstrations are slated to honor and mourn those who lost their lives during the previous protests. Social media has been abuzz with discussions and pledges of continued participation in the protests, despite President William Ruto’s announcement of withdrawing a finance bill that triggered the initial unrest.
While some demonstrators have indicated intentions to march towards the president’s official residence, concerns about potential violence have been raised by prominent figures associated with the protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHRC) reported at least 22 deaths linked to Tuesday’s protests, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
![AFP Protesters run to take cover outside the Kenyan Parliament after storming the building during a nationwide strike to protest against tax hikes and the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 25, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/d102/live/8b7e7c60-345d-11ef-8635-e38bbba9a160.jpg.webp)
In response to the anticipated protests, all access roads leading to State House have been sealed off, with security officers preventing both motorists and pedestrians from approaching. In contrast, other cities like Mombasa have reported relative calm, with daily activities continuing as usual, as depicted by local media.
However, skirmishes have been reported in Migori, located in western Kenya, where police utilized tear gas to disperse demonstrators engaging in confrontations. Similarly, in Kisumu, another city in the west, crowds gathered in defiance, reflecting widespread discontent and frustration.
As Kenya prepares for another wave of demonstrations, the authorities are on high alert, emphasizing security measures to maintain order while citizens exercise their rights to peaceful protest.