On Thursday, anti-riot police patrolled major streets in Nairobi despite the cold, following acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s announcement of an indefinite ban on protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Increased police presence was observed around Uhuru Park, where a group had planned to gather to demand changes in governance. The protest ban sparked outrage online, with some arguing that the police do not have the authority to enforce such a measure.
Police clarified that the ban also applies to other regions of the country. Kanja stated that the protest organizers lack leadership to manage the events, adding, “As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.”
Kanja noted that the protests, which started in June, have caused extensive property damage and significant loss of life due to criminal elements infiltrating the demonstrations.
Police have gathered intelligence indicating that these criminal elements plan to continue disrupting the protests, including an event reportedly planned for Thursday, July 18, 2024. Due to the lack of identifiable leadership among the young protesters, the police are unable to guarantee their safety, prompting the ban.
“In line with our Constitutional responsibilities and for national security, we inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups intend to exploit the ongoing protests for their attacks, including looting,” Kanja stated on Wednesday evening.
As a result, police commanders in the city deployed hundreds of anti-riot officers to patrol the streets. Officers braved the cold, with some patrolling on foot and others on standby in their vehicles.
Since the protests began over the proposed Finance Bill 2024, more than 50 people have died, over 400 have been injured, and property has been destroyed by vandals. The demonstrations initially targeted parliament in response to the bill’s passage.
Attention is now on the new police commanders and their approach to managing the next phase of protests. Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, acting Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat, and Administration Police counterpart James Kamau are seasoned officers, but their handling of this situation will be critical. Kanja was previously the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police, Lagat was the General Service Unit commandant, and Kamau headed the National Police Campus Embakasi. These officers have been strategizing their response to the protests.
The protests, initially fueled by anger on TikTok over the controversial finance bill, have evolved into a larger movement without political party organization. Hundreds of demonstrators, frustrated with high taxes and minimal benefits, have faced police tear gas in major towns, disrupting daily life. Armed with smartphones, they live-streamed their confrontations with officers. The Gen Z protesters, many demonstrating for the first time, turned out in large numbers, determined to extend their discontent beyond social media. Those not on the streets supported the cause by sharing messages, pictures, and videos online. The absence of clear leadership has made it challenging for police to identify and target protest organizers.