Police ban protests in Nairobi CBD 'until further notice'

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has banned demonstrations in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) and its environs for an unspecified time.

The ban comes hours before another fresh round of anti-government protests is expected on Thursday.

In his statement on Wednesday, Kanja expressed regret that what started as peaceful demonstrations in June 2024, have not only led to massive destruction of property but also tremendous loss of lives following the infiltration by criminal elements.

"While the constitution under Article 37, provides for the right to assemble and picket to present petitions to public authorities, the Constitution equally provides for the critical role the NPS plays in the national security of our country," he said.

At the same time, Kanja noted that the National Police Service has received credible intelligence that some organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the protests planned for Thursday, July 18, 2024, to execute attacks and even loot.

"In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing pretests to execute their attacks including looting," he said.

At the same time, the Acting IG noted that because the leadership of the youthful protesters is unknown, the police are unable to ensure their security and have decided to impose the ban.

"The lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to ensure safety protocols. As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairob Central Bussiness District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," the statement reads in part," Kanja said.

Anti-riot police stationed in different parts of the Nairobi CBD ahead of planned anti-government protests on July 16, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

In addition, members of the public have been urged to cooperate with the police to ensure order is maintained within the Nairobi CBD on Thursday.

"We therefore appeal to members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support our collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid the police in crime detection and prevention," he said.

Deadly protests

The statement follows chaotic protests on Tuesday in various parts of the country, where clashes between security forces and protesters resulted in deaths and injuries.

Two people were reportedly shot dead in Makueni during the protests.

In Nakuru, three people, including a journalist, were reportedly shot during the anti-government protests.

Protesters in Machakos made an unsuccessful attempt to storm the police station to free a colleague who had allegedly been arrested.

In Kericho Town, a group of youths allegedly hired to prevent the demonstrations disappeared after being repelled by protesters.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Tuesday reported that so far, a total of 50 people have died in connection with the anti-government protests.

KNCHR said some of them succumbed to injuries while they were undergoing treatment while other bodies were discovered under the debris of the burnt Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.

The deceased are from Nairobi (21), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).

"The number of the injured stands at 413," said the commission's Chairperson, Roseline Odede.

Despite people getting killed and injured, traders are counting losses that run into millions of shillings after their businesses were looted and others set ablaze in various towns.

As a result, business owners have stepped up security to protect their property in the wake of the anti-governmental protests.

In downtown Nairobi, traders armed themselves with wooden clubs and metal bars to protect their businesses from looters.