Nairobi's Nane Nane protests: Police and protesters clash in CBD stand-off

Nairobi's nane nane protests have been characterised by an unending cat-and-mouse chase between protesters and the police blocking any attempts to access the Central Business District (CBD) all day.

The chase that began earlier than usual on Thursday morning, as seen in past protests, saw police erect roadblocks along major routes to the CBD amongst them at Safaripark, Githurai, Jogoo Road, Buruburu junction alongside other routes with incoming vehicles getting subjected to security checks as police prevent an inflow of protesters to town.

Others were erected on all roads leading to the State House where the President swore in his cabinet.

Other than denying the protesters access to the CDB and vital installations, the police have further been conducting multiple arrests of protesters.

Amongst those held is s member of the Law Society of Kenya, Stephen Mbugua who was detained at the Central Police station.

The protesters said this will be the last of the ongoing push for reforms in governance and accountability in the country which has recorded scores of casualties since it began and left hundreds of others injured.

Journalists covering the protests have accused the police of brutality after they were mishandled at the CBD, while covering the protests.

Nane Nane protesters carry flags on Kimathi Street in Nairobi. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Protesters also decried police brutality while responding to any attempts to assemble at the CBD by throwing teargas canisters, using clobbers and firing in the air to disperse crowds.

Cecilia Ngunjiri, and Stephen Letoo are among the journalists who were injured while covering the protests.

"This is wrong and unacceptable, we cannot allow it to happen in a country like Kenya," Hussein Khalid, Vocal Africa CEO said.

While that is happening, government officials are still urging protesters to end the protests.

A protester shows spent bullet cartridges he has picked along Kimathi Street following a confrontation between protesters and police. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

National Police Service Commission Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia has appealed to Gen Zs to shelve the demonstrations and give the government a chance to implement their concerns.

He claimed the President has listened to the demands raised from the subsequent demonstrations and is in the process of reorganising and instituting changes in government.

He added that the demonstrations not only pose a risk to an already ailing economy but further lead to loss of life, noting that over 40 people have so far lost their lives, 486 civilians and 383 police officers injured as a result of such demonstrations.

Commission's CEO Peter Leley echoed the chairperson's sentiments, adding that the recent reorganisation of the top command in the National Police Service is a clear indication that the government is committed to meeting the demands raised by the aggrieved Citizens.

Their sentiments are, however, not in tandem with Gen Z sentiments who repeatedly have decried a lack of sensitivity to their demands by the government.