Police in different parts of the country are engaging in running battles with Gen Z protesters who have taken to the streets to demonstrate against the President William Ruto-led government.
The protesters started flocking the streets as early as 9 am on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Police lobed teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters who are aiming to keep pressure on President Ruto despite him making a series of concessions to demonstrators’ demands.
In Kitengela, protesters burned tyres and chanted “Ruto must go” and “Stop killing us”, as they engaged in running battles with the police.
They blocked the busy Nairobi-Namanga Road, paralyzing transport in the area.
A heavy contingent of police was deployed in Kitengela to battle the protesters.
The protesters are demanding that Ruto step down, blaming him for bad governance, corruption and the deaths of dozens of demonstrators during earlier anti-government rallies.
In Nairobi, police have been lobbing tear gas to disperse the protesters that started converging in the CBD from about 10 am.
Most businesses in Nairobi CBD remained closed as tension remained high.
Protesters in Kericho, Kisumu, Migori, Bungoma and Kakamega also took to the streets to protest against the government.
Although the protests have been peaceful, there are several injury cases that have been reported in Nairobi and Nakuru, where protesters have been injured by tear gas canisters lobbed by the police.
Concerns had been earlier on raised over the presence of men armed with batons in Kericho and Kakamega.
Activist Hussein Khalid has called on acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain to Kenyans why the said men whom he has termed as armed and dangerous, have not been arrested.
“Acting IG Kanja of National Police Service, can you please hold a press conference and explain to Kenyans why your officers have not arrested these individuals who are clearly armed and dangerous?” Khalid said in a statement shared via his official X account.