Kenyan Police Ban Nairobi Protests Amid Riots
Kenyan police have banned demonstrations in the city, Nairobi, after protests became violent. The marches against proposed tax increases began last month and continued after the legislation was dropped. The demonstrators want President William Ruto to resign down.
Following fatal anti-government rallies, Kenyan police said late Wednesday that “no demonstrations would be permitted” in the capital, Nairobi.
According to a state-funded rights group, originally peaceful marches triggered by now-abandoned tax hikes devolved into violence, killing scores of people.
President William Ruto has hurried to calm the situation, withdrawing the draft financial measure that included the tax rises, sacking his cabinet, and promising government cuts.
However, rallies have continued around the country, albeit considerably smaller than last month, with many still asking for Kenya’s leader to leave.
“To ensure public safety, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice,” acting National Police Chief Douglas Kanja said in a statement late Wednesday.
Many of the city’s past marches took place in this location.
Ahead of the ban, some posters circulated online encouraging protesters to congregate in neighboring Uhuru Park before marching to State House on Thursday.
According to Wednesday’s police statement, the decision was made after officials received “credible intelligence that organised 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,” according to the statement.
Prominent activist Hanifa Edan wrote on X earlier this month that the movement had been infiltrated by “goons,” reflecting what demonstrators told AFP journalists after some gatherings turned violent and looting occurred.
The prohibition comes after minor protests earlier this week, which were met with considerable police presence. In central Nairobi, authorities shot tear gas at dispersed crowds.
The rallies have turned violent, killing 50 people and injuring 413 since they began on June 18, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday.
Rights groups have accused police of deploying excessive force against protestors.
(AFP)
