Police in Kenya used tear gas to break up thousands of protesters marching through Nairobi and other cities. The demonstrations honor those who were killed in large anti-tax protests exactly one year ago.
There is a significant police presence in Nairobi and other major cities. Many schools and businesses have closed due to fears of violence. Authorities have warned people not to attempt to access State House and parliament.
President Ruto has ordered police to secure the nation and protect lives. Concerns about violence increased after young men with clubs disrupted a protest last week. These men, on motorbikes and armed with whips and clubs, attacked protesters in Nairobi’s central business district.
Videos show these individuals, referred to locally as “goons,” seemingly working alongside police, who used tear gas to control the demonstrations. The police have denied any connection to these groups, stating they do not support such “unlawful groupings.”
Tensions rose when a vendor was shot during the protests, causing anger among Kenyans who accuse police of using excessive force. Police deny these allegations.
According to a report by BBC, key roads in Nairobi are blocked as people return to the streets to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-government protests, which led to the storming of parliament and left at least 60 people dead.
In Nairobi, motorists were turned away at checkpoints far from the city center, with only pedestrians allowed to proceed. Many businesses in the city center remain closed due to fears of looting and damage during the protests.
There is a heavy police presence around key locations, including parliament and State House, the president’s official residence. Ahead of the protests, parliament was surrounded by razor wire to prevent entry.
The protests come one year after unprecedented demonstrations that breached parliament, leading to over 60 deaths, with no convictions yet, raising calls for justice and accountability.
