Human rights activist Hanifa Farsafi has lauded the police for allowing peaceful protests within Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking during a media interview on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Hanifa expressed her astonishment at the peaceful atmosphere in the CBD and noted the police’s prompt handling of disruptive individuals.
Police – protestors truce
In addition, the activist said she was deeply impressed by the police’s support of the demonstrators in the city.
“I was shocked when I came here, I had expected the usual protests when I saw motorbikes I was scared. I heard the goons had infiltrated again and I was getting scared. When I arrived the police were handling a thief, this is how it should be. I was amazed, and in awe to find the police and the protesters having a truce,” Hanifa remarked.
Hanifa revealed her initial apprehension about the day’s events, as the original plan was to occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), but the group shifted to the CBD, prompting her to join them.
“Unexpected things were happening today, we were supposed to be at JKIA, I was scared of what might happen today, and to the people. I came to the CBD because people had deflected here, and I am glad it is peaceful, this is how it should be,” she noted.
You guys!!! There’s truce happening on ground omg amazing scenes !!! pic.twitter.com/V7jgHFpdBT
— Hanifa 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 (@Honeyfarsafi) July 23, 2024
Peaceful protests
The vocal activist commended the police for their crucial role in ensuring the safety of the protestors, emphasizing that this approach should have been adopted from the onset and should be maintained in future protests.
Furthermore, Hanifa emphasized the importance of peaceful advocacy, stating that no one should lose their life while fighting for their rights.
“Look around, the police should be protecting us, no more people being injured or paralyzed. This is a real organic protest… this is what we wanted from the beginning and what we are asking for in the future. No more people dying unnecessarily and without justice. This is what we have wanted, people are even clapping for the police officers,” Hanifa stated.