Kenyan police have banned protests in central Nairobi and surrounding areas “until further notice,” citing their leaderless nature, which has made it difficult to ensure safety.
This decision follows a month of anti-government protests during which at least 50 people have been killed, according to human rights groups. More protests are planned for Thursday.
Nairobi’s city center has been the focal point of these youth-led protests, which have spread across the country. Initially sparked by unpopular tax increases, the protests have broadened to include demands for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Online calls have urged people to gather at Uhuru Park in the city center on Thursday before marching to State House, the president’s official residence.
On Wednesday, the police announced that “no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.” This ban has sparked outrage online, with some arguing that the police lack the authority to impose such a ban, as Kenyan law grants citizens the right to hold demonstrations.
A heavy police presence is already in place in anticipation of the protests. Acting head of police Douglas Kanja stated that the ban was imposed after receiving “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests.”
“Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct,” Kanja said. He also noted that the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations had made it difficult to enforce safety protocols.
Since the protests began, President Ruto has conceded to some demands, including withdrawing the contentious finance bill and dismissing his entire cabinet. The head of the police also resigned.
However, protesters are calling for further action against bad governance and corruption and demanding accountability for the deaths of dozens of demonstrators. According to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 protesters have been killed and 413 injured since the protests started on June 18.