Kenyan police ban protests in Nairobi

Kenyan police have banned protests in and around the capital Nairobi “until further notice”, citing their leaderless nature which makes it difficult to enforce safety.

This comes after a month of anti-government protests in which dozens were killed. More protests are planned for Thursday.

Downtown Nairobi was the epicentre of youth-led protests that spread across the country.

The protests began against unpopular tax increases, but after they were scrapped they expanded to include demands for President William Ruto’s resignation.

Online posters are calling on people to gather on Thursday at Uhuru Park in the city centre, before heading to State House, the president’s official residence.

“Demonstrations will not be allowed in and around Nairobi’s central business district until further notice to ensure public safety,” police said late Wednesday.

The ban sparked outrage online, with some claiming that police do not have such powers, as Kenyan law gives citizens the right to hold demonstrations.

The capital is already witnessing a heavy security presence in anticipation of protests.

Acting police chief Douglas Kanga said in a statement that the decision was made after receiving “credible intelligence that organised criminal groups were planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests”.

“Criminals continued to infiltrate protest groups, leading to a worrying trend of disorderly and destructive behaviour,” she said.

She added that her decision was also influenced by the “lack of designated leadership at previous demonstrations” which “made it difficult to enforce safety protocols”.

Since the protests began, the president has given in to some of the protesters’ demands, including dropping a controversial finance bill and dismissing his entire government.

The police chief also resigned.

But people have continued to demand more action against misrule and corruption, and for police to be held accountable for the killing of dozens of protesters in recent demonstrations.

At least 50 protesters have been killed and 413 others injured since the protests began on June 18, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.