No more CBD demos

Police engage a protester in Nairobi CBD. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Following weeks of protests in Nairobi CBD that have led to loss of lives and destruction of property, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has halted demos until further notice.

Kanja, through a statement, said while the Constitution provides for the right to assemble and picket peacefully, criminals have infiltrated the protests and looted businesses.

“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 organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting.

“…as a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi CBD and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” said Kanja.

He also appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant in crowded areas and share information that may aid in crime detection and prevention.

The countrywide protests began a fortnight ago when Kenyans united to express their displeasure at the Finance Bill.

Social media was a crucial tool in mobilising the masses (Gen Z) and true to the word, they showed up in their thousands to ‘Occupy the CBD’.

Dressed in black and armed with just their phones and masks, they called on President William Ruto to decline to sign the bill into law.

Despite their spirited calls, a section of legislators passed the bill, much to the disappointment of Kenyans.

This led to the ‘OccupyParliament’ march where some protestors gained access to the August House and destroyed property.

The President later announced the bill's withdrawal but there were still demands to send home his cabinet for failing in their mandate.

Last week, Ruto fired his entire cabinet, except his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi.

He called upon Principal Secretaries to ensure continuity as he instituted plans to set up a broad-based government.

“I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government that will assist me in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible, implementation of radical programmes to deal with the burden of debt, raising domestic resources, expanding job opportunities, eliminate wastage and unnecessary duplication of a multiplicity of government agencies and slay the dragon of corruption consequently making the government lean, inexpensive, effective and efficient.

“During this process, the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials. I will be announcing additional measures in due course,” said Ruto.