Today, the rallying call for the protests is ‘Occupy Everywhere’, with protests having already begun in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Kitengela, and Makueni.
Protests now enter the second week across multiple regions in the country with calls now growing for better governance. What began as anti-Finance Bill demonstrations have now grown into widespread anti-government demonstrations meant to force President William Ruto out of power.
Today, the rallying call for the protests is ‘Occupy Everywhere’, with protests having already begun in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Kitengela, and Makueni.
As for Nairobi, some pockets of the city remain calm though police could be seen in live coverage lobbing teargas to disperse protesters in the Central Business District (CBD).
The protests come amidst recent reports showcasing the grim toll of the protests, with 39 fatalities and 361 injuries reported. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Monday, July 1, also revealed 32 abductions and 627 arrests amid the escalating unrest.
It is worth it to note that the High Court banned the use of teargas and live bullets by police against protesters. Meanwhile, President Ruto has invited youths to an online forum via X Space between this Thursday and Friday.
Keep refreshing this page as Viral Tea provides you with the latest updates, reactions and analysis of the anti-government protests:
12.29 pm: Protesters Block Waiyaki Way & Mlolongo
Protesters have gathered along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, with police lobbing teargas to stop them from heading towards the CBD.
In Mlolongo, protesters could be seen along Mombasa Road as motorists opted to keep off the roads. This is evidenced by the absence of traffic as police work to stop protesters from marching to the CBD.
11:15 am – Police Fire Teargas at Archives
Police have fired teargas at protestors gathering at Archives in Nairobi CBD. This is the first incident of use of teargas reported since the protests began.
Police presence remains heavy, with all roads leading to State House closed. Parliament Road also remains closed.
Various police units camped outside the Parliament building. Police water cannons have been parked at KICC and remain on standby.
11:00 am – Mombasa, Kisumu Protestors Turn Up
Protestors are out in huge crowds in Mombasa and Kisumu, with the police calling for peace during the protests. Already, Mbaraki Girls Secondary School has closed and sent all students home.
In Kisumu, protesters have turned up in numbers amidst police working to control the crowds.