Despite a seeming lull, Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) is tense in anticipation of a possible surge in protests today, dubbed “#OccupyCBDTuesday.”
A spot check by our reporters revealed most businesses remain closed, with a lighter-than-usual traffic flow on major highways like Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, and Thika Road. This cautious atmosphere follows three weeks of anti-government demonstrations.
A contingent of security officers cordoned roads leading to State House, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.
In Migori town, the demonstrations began in the morning as transport was paralysed and businesses closed.
Protestors took to the streets and barricaded the road with stones and singing chants against the Kenya Kwanza government.
According to posters shared online, all Kenyans were invited to join the demonstrations to protest against budgeted corruption and call for the removal of the current regime.
In Kisumu, activist Boniface Akach confirmed that protestors would march to the streets to pay tribute to those killed by the police. He noted that they would converge at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sportsground.
During a roundtable discussions with the media, President William Ruto alleged that the police would protect peaceful protestors but at the same time fight against ‘criminals’ who camouflage as Gen Zs to cause chaos. He also pointed out that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) would be used as a last resort if the protests turned into mayhem.Â
“The KDF will not be in the streets. They only come as a last resort. If the demonstrations will be peaceful I promise you the police will be there to protect the demonstrators,” Ruto said.
