Silverio Omari
On Thursday, anti-riot police patrolled major streets in Nairobi, enduring the cold hours after acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced an indefinite ban on protests within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
A significant police presence was noted around Uhuru Park, where a group had planned to gather to advocate for governance reforms.
The announcement of the protest ban sparked online outrage, with many arguing that the police have no such authority.
The ban extends to other parts of the country as well. Kanja stated that the protest organizers lacked leadership to manage the events.
“As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” he said.
Kanja noted that the protests, which began in June, have led to substantial property damage and loss of life due to criminal elements infiltrating the demonstrations. Police had received information about plans by these elements to disrupt protests, including one planned for Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Due to the unknown leadership of the youthful protesters, police could not ensure their security, prompting the ban.
“In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks, including looting,” Kanja said on Wednesday evening.
City police commanders responded by deploying hundreds of anti-riot officers. Despite the cold, officers patrolled the streets, with others on standby in their vehicles.
The protests have resulted in over 50 deaths and more than 400 injuries, with property destroyed by vandals. The demonstrations began in response to the proposed Finance Bill 2024, with protesters storming parliament in anger over the bill’s passage.
Attention is now on the new police commanders, including acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, acting Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat, and his Administration Police counterpart James Kamau. While experienced, their handling of the protests is critical.
Kanja is the former DIG Kenya Police, Lagat was the General Service Unit commandant, and Kamau led the National Police Campus Embakasi. They have been strategizing on managing the situation.
Initially, anger on TikTok over the controversial finance bill evolved into a revolt without political party organization. Hundreds of protesters, feeling overtaxed with little to show for it, have faced tear gas to march through major towns, disrupting operations.
Armed with smartphones, they live-streamed confrontations with police. The youthful demonstrators, mostly Gen Zs, showed up in large numbers, determined to extend their discontent beyond social media. Many were first-time protesters, while others spread the message through social media.
The lack of clear leadership has made it difficult for the police to target those behind the protests.
Dj Vnyash
