from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya Bureau
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – POLICE have reportedly arrested hundreds of protesters and activists commemorating two years to the day since the onset of the deadly violence that gripped Kenya.
In some instances, police have used tear gas to disperse protesters. Officers on horseback dispersed crowds gathered in the capital, Nairobi, ahead of the anticipated protest anniversary.
The non-governmental Police Reforms Working Groups reported that at least 361 people had reportedly been arrested, mainly in Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
Two injuries were reported in Kajiado.
The skirmishes in Nairobi and other areas on Thursday are reminiscent of the fatal period on June 25, 2024, when the demonstrations led by the Gen Z movement and spearheaded by youngsters embarking on nationwide protests escalated amid the rejection of proposed tax increases and economic hardship.
The turbulence resulted in violent clashes with security forces and the storming of the Parliament buildings.
It is reported that more than 120 people have been killed across the protest movement since that fateful day.
Tensions have gripped Kenya in the run-up to Thursday as civilians planned to commemorate that unenviable episode of state repression.
Police arrested several protesters as authorities sealed off the capital, Nairobi, to stop bigger demonstrations.
Security forces blocked every major road into the capital and halted long-distance buses.
Parliament was also protected with razor wire.
No vehicles were allowed to proceed towards the Nairobi CBD, leaving thousands of city-bound commuters stranded. Before dawn, major roads had already been sealed off.
This is despite an assurance by the government of President William Ruto that Thursday would be a “normal” working day and people would be provided with the safety to go about their business.
However, most businesses remained closed and passengers were stranded.
Securex Agencies, the security think tank, reported that by morning, commuter disruption had intensified across Nairobi, with most passengers stranded due to a widespread shortage of public service vehicles, while the few operating had been prevented from entering the CBD because of police roadblocks.
It added that most businesses across Nairobi and the surrounding metropolitan area remained closed over security concerns, while additional police roadblocks had also been established in Kajiado County.
“Members of the public are advised to steer clear of protest hotspots where possible and allow additional travel time due to roadblocks and restricted access,” Securex recommended.
Rights advocate Paul Neko questioned the sincerity of Onesimus Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration, who had assured Kenyans of a normal working day.
“So why are police blocking roads at Allsops and other entry points into Nairobi, stopping buses and disrupting commuters? If Kenyans are supposed to be at work, why are they being prevented from getting there?
Actions speak louder than press statements,” Neko said.
Allsops is a prominent neighbourhood and major landmark in Nairobi County.
James Orengo, Governor of the western county of Siaya, reported a breakthrough, noting, “Despite the state’s desperate resistance, we marched to Parliament and laid a wreath in honour of our fallen heroes who died during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.”
Despite some arrests, tear-gassing incidents and disruptions, authorities painted a peaceful picture.
By Thursday evening, security operations remained active as police maintained a heavy presence in key areas. Overall, traffic conditions had improved across Nairobi following the removal of several roadblocks.
– CAJ News