Kenyan police ban protests in Nairobi

Protests in Nairobi's downtown and its environs are prohibited by Kenyan police "until further notice," citing the lack of a clear leader that has made it challenging to maintain order. 

It follows a month of anti-government demonstrations during which numerous people lost their lives. On Thursday, there will be more demonstrations. 

The hub of Nairobi has been the focal point of the nationwide protests spearheaded by young people. 

After the controversial tax increases were reversed, the protests expanded to include calls for President William Ruto to step down. Online banners urging for people to congregate on Thursday at Uhuru Park in the city centre, before matching to State House, the president’s official residence.

"No demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," the police declared late on Wednesday. 

Online protests against the ban have been widespread, with some claiming that police do not have the authority to prohibit demonstrations because Kenyan law grants residents the right to do so. In anticipation of the protests, there is already a significant police presence in the city. 

The decision was made in response to "credible intelligence that organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests," according to a statement released by acting police chief Douglas Kanja.

“Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct,” it said.

It added that its decision had also been informed by “the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations” that had “made it difficult to enforce safety protocols”.

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