Nairobi: Kenya’s police have implemented a ban on demonstrations in Nairobi’s central business district amid concerns that organized criminal gangs have infiltrated ongoing anti-government protests. The ban, effective immediately and until further notice, aims to ensure public safety following weeks of unrest.
The protests, primarily led by youth activists, initially erupted against proposed tax increases and have persisted despite President William Ruto’s withdrawal of the legislation and extensive cabinet changes. Protesters are demanding Ruto’s resignation and systemic reforms to combat corruption and improve governance.
“We have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting,” stated Douglas Kanja Kiricho, the chief of police, in a late Wednesday statement.
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The demonstrations, which began peacefully, escalated into violence with incidents such as the brief storming of parliament on June 25, prompting police intervention and resulting in fatalities.
President Ruto’s office had scheduled “multi-sectoral” talks to address grievances but faced resistance from protest leaders who demanded immediate action against corruption instead.
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Despite the ban, some activists called for gatherings equipped with camping gear at Uhuru Park, adjacent to Nairobi’s city center, indicating ongoing defiance against the restrictions.
As tensions persist, activist Boniface Mwangi criticized the ban on social media, asserting, “(The police and President Ruto) have no power to suspend rights guaranteed by the constitution.”
