Police officers managing protests along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi were forced to retreat after hundreds of demonstrators pursued a police lorry, forcing officers to run for their safety.
A video circulating on social media showed several officers fleeing on foot, with some jumping over fences to escape the advancing crowd.
In an effort to disperse the protesters, police deployed tear gas and water cannons in Nairobiโs Central Business District (CBD), where tensions ran high as groups of young demonstrators, mostly dressed in black, chanted slogans and waved placards demanding justice and political change.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned that while Kenyans have the right to peaceful protests, such actions must be confined to designated public areas.
He emphasized that the police would prevent any unlawful assemblies and maintain peace, stating, โThe police will, at all times, prevent any breach of peace by any group or individuals acting unlawfully.โ
The protests mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, with youths across the country taking to the streets to demand justice for victims of police brutality and government repression.
Despite heavy police barricades around key government sites like State House and Parliament, protesters remained defiant, chanting slogans such as โRuto Must Go!โ and โReject Finance Bill!โ while standing their ground against repeated police attempts to disperse them.
One protester shouted, โThey want us to fear, but we are not afraid,โ capturing the resolute spirit of the demonstrators who confronted tear gas and water cannons to make their voices heard.
