Tight security at JKIA as rival groups clash in Nairobi CBD

Security agencies heightened surveillance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, Tuesday, after Gen Z protestors threatened to occupy the critical facility while two people were injured in the city centre following a confrontation between rival groups.

The airport normally bustling with activity was relatively calm with traffic flow significantly reduced.

A security cordon was thrown around the airport where checkpoints were increased for screening passengers.

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued a stern warning, reminding the public that JKIA is a protected area and anyone who dares to trespass would be dealt with according to the law.

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Unable to make their way to the airport, the protestors blocked some key roads including Outer Ring, which was turned into a battle between police and demonstrators prompting the military to step in.

The youth maintained that they were pushing for good governance. "Sisi hatuna ubaya kabisa kile tunataka ni accountability kutoka kwa serikali (We have no bad intentions but demanding accountability from government, " said one of the protesters.

Kimori Evans said that it was time for the youth to define the destiny of the country and they would support one of their own in the presidential election come 2027.

"The time to redefine our nation has arrived. We will no longer swing like a pendulum. This isn't about the 2027 re-election; it's about reforming the nation now. The political class, once drivers of decision-making, are now left in confusion by the younger generation," he said.

"The president said enough is enough; we agree. We demand urgent reforms and accountability. The young generation is no longer afraid. If the current administration won't listen, we'll strategise for one of us to contest the 2027 elections and bring real change," Kimori added.

Some 18 kilometres away in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) at least two people were injured and a motorbike set ablaze in a confrontation between boda boda riders and a group against anti-government protests claiming to be President William Ruto's supporters.   

The chaos erupted around mid-day when the group claiming to be against anti-government demonstrations unleashed terror on civilians, robbing them of their belongings. 

Ironically, the chaos happened as police watched.

Boda boda operators attacked and injured two people suspected to be goons, some who were riding motobikes with hidden registration number plates. 

The tension was later quelled by the police who lobbed teargas canisters at the two rival camps with one accusing the other of being hired goons.  

"These are not boda boda operators, we don't know them," said a boda rider who operates within the city centre. 

He pointed an accusing finger at the city's county leadership for "sponsoring goons" to infiltrate the peaceful Gen Z protests. 

"These are paid goons who have a hidden agenda, they are not our members. Their motive is to paint the Gen Z as violent and illegitimise the protests," he said. 

Amid the tension, the CBD largely remained a ghost town with many traders closing their business premises over fear of looting.

Meanwhile, in Kitengela, hundreds of vigilantes were deployed to back up police to ward off looters during the demonstrations.

The youth who were armed with crude weapons guarded strategic points in the town and were seen closely monitoring the protesters.

The looters were kept at bay from key business areas that were looted last week with a police chopper hovering over the town for the better part of the morning with tens of unmarked Subaru cars patrolling the town further scaring away would-be looters.

The vigilantes are said to have been recruited by the business community, who nevertheless closed their premises for fear of looting.

"It will not be business as usual for the looters who have been terrorising us in this town, we are ready and waiting for them, that's why we are armed," said one of the hooded men.

Several protestors who attempted to block the Nairobi -Namanga highway were arrested and detained.

Reports by Benard Mogaka, Okumu Modachi and Peterson Githaiga