Police in Kenya have initiated an indefinite ban on protests in the capital, Nairobi, due to a perceived lack of leadership capable of ensuring peaceful demonstrations. The announcement of the ban came shortly before a scheduled protest intended to march to the president’s office demanding his resignation over governance issues. Acting police inspector general, Douglas Kanja, mentioned that the absence of leadership has hindered the enforcement of safety protocols.
Following recent demonstrations, businesses have suffered financial losses from looting and arson incidents. Although protesters were not yet visible on Thursday, the police had blocked major roads leading to the president’s office.
The protests in Kenya commenced about a month ago with demands for lawmakers to reject a contentious finance bill proposing increased taxes amidst a challenging economic situation and mounting public debt. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that at least 50 individuals have lost their lives since the protests began on June 18.
President William Ruto declared his refusal to sign the finance bill passed by parliament on June 25, a day marked by protesters storming the building and causing damage, leading legislators to evacuate. The president responded to protesters’ demands by dismissing a significant portion of his Cabinet and the attorney general last week, amid accusations of incompetence, corruption, and excessive displays of wealth.
On a rainy morning in anticipation of planned protests, multiple businesses in Nairobi chose to remain closed. The central business district saw a heavy police presence, patrolling the streets diligently. Allegations of police brutality towards protesters have raised concerns, contributing to the resignation of Japhet Koome, the former inspector general of police, following calls for him to be held accountable for the shooting incidents.
According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, four out of 10 cases of police brutality have been forwarded to the director of public prosecutions with recommendations. The watchdog organization has gathered witness statements and summoned several police officers to provide their testimonies. Kenyan police officers have faced accusations of brutality in the past, with a group of 400 officers currently stationed in Haiti as part of a UN-led mission to address gang violence.
