Tensions in the capital remain high as uncertainty looms over potential protests. Meanwhile, Migori and Mombasa have already seen demonstrations erupt.
As the so-called mother of all demonstrations intensify on Thursday, June 27, according to the organisers online, a heavy contingent of police officers and those from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been deployed across the city.
A court ruling is expected today on the legality of the deployment of KDF soldiers after the move by Members of Parliament (MP) to allow the deployment of the military was challenged in court by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Still, the strong security presence is in anticipation of the protests, which have also kicked off in Kisumu, Mombasa, Migori, Mombasa, and Homa Bay against the Finance Bill 2024.
Tensions in the capital remain high as uncertainty looms over potential protests. Meanwhile, Migori and Mombasa have already seen demonstrations erupt.
Watch live courtesy of Citizen TV:
Organisers have mobilised for ‘The One Million People March’, scheduled for Thursday, June 27, calling for a march towards State House Nairobi. A viral poster circulating online rallies Gen-X, Millennials, Gen-Z, and all citizens to join the cause.
Keep refreshing this page as Viral Tea provides you with the latest updates, reactions and analysis of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests:
1.37 pm: KDF Soldiers In Company Of Protesters Along Tom Mboya Avenue
A vehicle with KDF officers was spotted amongst a huge crowd of protesters who assembled at Tom Mboya Avenue and celebrated their entry.
The soldiers were seen keeping watch as they snaked through the city road amidst the presence of anti-riot police officers.
1.35 pm: Teargas At Jamia Mosque
Police have allegedly deployed teargas at aid workers at Jamia Mosque, with photos showing the premises engulfed in teargas smoke.
“Medical personnel should not be the target, they’re there to offer help to both protesters and police,” stated Dr Mercy Korir on X.
1.10 pm: KDF Spotted Patrolling Waiyaki Way, University Way
A convoy of KDF officers have been spotted patrolling roads such as Museum Hill, moving along Waiyaki Way, with others moving through University Way.
Some of them had earlier retreated to the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, in preparation for potential unrest in the capital that may require their attention.
KDF officers in armoured cars spotted patrolling different parts of Nairobi pic.twitter.com/5bb8iKFEXv
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) June 27, 2024
1:00 pm – Tense Standoff at Kisumu State Lodge
In Kisumu, protestors staged a peaceful sit-down in front of the Kisumu State Lodge. Another group of protesters is confronting a military tanker and a line of police officers, blocking their path to Kisumu State Lodge.
Located in the Milimani area, the State Lodge remains calm, with police officers refraining from interfering with the demonstrators. Protestors are engaged in a dialogue with the officers manning the State Lodge.