![Pro-Govt Protesters On Boda Bodas Take To Nairobi Streets [PHOTOS]](https://i0.wp.com/bouncenationkenya.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pro-Govt-Protesters-On-Boda-Bodas-Take-To-Nairobi-Streets-PHOTOS.jpg?fit=870%2C580&ssl=1 "Pro-Govt Protesters On Boda Bodas Take To Nairobi Streets [PHOTOS]")
By noon, protests had been recorded in various parts of Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
As anti-government protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, July 23, in defiance of President William Ruto’s warning of dire consequences should they continue, a group of pro-government protesters took to the streets as well.
They were spotted in several photos and videos seen by Viral Tea trooping to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) in sizeable crowds and patrolling the streets of the city calling for peace to prevail.
However, unlike previous demos, pro-government groups emerged to counter the anti-Ruto campaigners in Nairobi, staging motorcycle rides in support of the besieged Kenya Kwanza regime.
A Boda boda rider was injured and his motorbike was set on fire as boda boda operators clashed in Nairobi CBD at the junction of Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue forcing police to use teargas to disperse them on July 23, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE
The amorphous group, mainly composed of boda boda riders, crisscrossed the CBD, honking, whistling and chanting in support of the President.
The pro-Ruto protesters, who were granted a free pass at all police roadblocks, carried placards in support of the government including ‘Let us give our president time’, ‘Ruto tuko nyuma yako (We’re behind you, Ruto)’ and ‘Tumechoka na (We’re tired of) Gen Z’.
The riders, who were accompanied by several members of Nairobi City County Assembly allied to Ruto’s United Democratic Movement (UDA) party, including Mark Mugambi (Umoja One) and Brian Itenya (nominated), appeared well organised and funded.
They first fueled at designated petrol stations in the city before assembling at Uhuru Park, one of the heavily guarded venues in the capital, for instructions on the assignment they were about to embark on.
The heavily armed police later cleared the way when the demonstrators started street rides around the city centre.
At one point, the pro-Ruto group clashed with other boda boda riders near the Hilton Hotel after the latter accused the former of looting. A motorcycle was burned outside Naivas Supermarket on Kenyatta Avenue as two groups fought over the right to demonstrate. Police fired teargas to contain the clash.
A similar group, dubbed Amani Kenya, countered anti-government protests in Imara Daima by helping police clear the roads that had been barricaded by demonstrators.
Both factions of protesters called for an end to the anti-government demonstrations, arguing that the demonstrations have disrupted economic activity. However, another group of boda boda riders claimed that those making rounds were hired goons.
Many shops were meanwhile closed with little activity going on the the city.Â
The government also deployed heavy security apparatus on roads leading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has been targeted by anti-government protestors in the days leading up to Tuesday.
Security officers had also been conducting aerial surveillance in Embakasi and nearby areas.
