Arrests and clashes as protesters challenge police in Nairobi

Drama ensued in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, June 18, after protestors took the streets in defiance of police orders.

Police arrested several ‘Occupy parliament’ protesters amid a dispute over the legality of the mass action.

Teargas was deployed to disperse the demonstrators, with plainclothes officers also involved.

Nairobi Region Police Commander Adamson Bungei declared the protests illegal, asserting that no group had obtained clearance for demonstrations within the city today.

However, Boniface Mwangi, a key organiser, claimed they had notified the police in advance.

.

Keep Reading business

•  Pension industry seeks to flex its muscle in large State projects
•  Behind-the-scenes rush as clock ticks for sale of Bamburi Cement Premium
•  Why construction sector is on steady decline in Kenya
•  Why affordable communication is key to AfCFTA
•  Treasury goes for UAE loan as IMF cautions of debt situation Premium

"We informed the police on Saturday, marking multiple locations including Ambassador, National Archives, Nation Centre, Supreme Court, Skate Park, Taifa Road, and Kencom Stage as assembly points," said Mwangi.

"Harambee Avenue was designated as our preferred route."

Anti-riot police transported numerous protestors in their vehicles to various Nairobi police stations.

HAKI Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid is among those detained at Central Police Station.

Journalists have also been caught in the crossfire, with injuries reported during clashes between police and demonstrators.

Justus Macharia, a videographer from Standard Group, was briefly detained while covering the events, later released from a moving police vehicle.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino voiced his support for the protests, criticising the police crackdown and demanding the release of those arrested.

"I condemn the mass arrest of peaceful protesters by the police," said Babu.

 "This excessive use of government power belongs to the past and is no longer acceptable. Those arrested must be released immediately," he added.

The situation remains tense as authorities’ attempt to restore order amidst ongoing demonstrations in Nairobi’s CBD.