Kenyan police announced late Wednesday that “no demonstrations would be permitted” in the center of the capital Nairobi, following deadly anti-government protests.
The country has been experiencing unrest due to initially peaceful rallies sparked by now-abandoned tax hikes, which have escalated into violence, resulting in numerous deaths according to a state-funded rights group.
President William Ruto has taken steps to calm the situation by scrapping the proposed finance bill with tax increases, dismissing his cabinet, and promising government cuts.
Despite these efforts, the rallies, though smaller than last month’s, have continued nationwide, with many still demanding the Kenyan leader’s resignation.
“No demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” acting National Police Chief Douglas Kanja stated late Wednesday.
The central area has been the focal point for many previous protests in the city.
Before the ban, some online posters called for protesters to gather in nearby Uhuru Park and then march to State House on Thursday.
The police statement indicated that the decision followed “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests.”
“Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct,” it added.
Prominent demonstrator Hanifa Edan posted on X earlier this month that the movement had been infiltrated by “goons,” a sentiment echoed by protesters who told AFP journalists about the violence and looting at some rallies.
The ban comes after smaller protests earlier this week, which were met with a heavy police presence. In central Nairobi, officers fired tear gas at scattered groups of protesters.
The demonstrations, which began on June 18, have resulted in 50 deaths and 413 injuries, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday.
Rights groups have accused police of using disproportionate force against the protesters.
AFP