Police have sealed off key roads in Nairobi and heightened surveillance in major urban centers as Kenya prepares for planned protests. The demonstrations, largely mobilized through social media, are expected to occur in cities including Nairobi and Mombasa, and parts of central Kenya.
Clashes Erupt Near Nairobi
Footage from a local TV station showed flames and smoke rising in the Githurai area, near Nairobi, as protesters lit fires during clashes with police. Anti-riot police were seen firing tear gas to disperse crowds and arrested several individuals attempting to access the city center. Authorities urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid violence, looting, or destruction of property.
Anniversary Demonstrations
Parents who lost children during the 2024 protests have requested permission to peacefully commemorate their loved ones. Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa, joined families of victims to lay wreaths at parliament in honor of those who died during the 2024 demonstrations.
The protesters are demanding justice for more than 80 people killed during the 2024 demonstrations and anniversary protests held last year. Early Thursday, police established roadblocks along major routes such as the Thika Super Highway, Mombasa Road, the Nairobi-Namanga Highway in Athi River, Kenyatta Avenue, Waiyaki Way, and Jogoo Road, preventing access to the city center. IMAGE2: A cyclist passes a line of riot police in protective gear blocking a road in Nairobi | dimensions=999x549