There was tension along Nairobi’s Jogoo Road on Wednesday, July 9, after a large crowd believed to be supporters of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga marched from Makadara Law Courts, briefly disrupting traffic and raising concern among business owners.
Njenga had appeared in court for the mention of his ongoing criminal case, and after the session, the group began moving along the busy road, chanting “Ndovu! Ndovu!” a slogan associated with the former sect leader.
The crowd, which appeared peaceful, drew the attention of passersby and motorists as it moved toward the City Stadium area. Some witnesses said the group was following court vehicles they believed were ferrying Njenga.
“There were no violent incidents, but we were ready just in case,” said a police officer who had been deployed to monitor the situation.Anti-riot police had already been stationed along Manyanja Road as a precaution.
For traders along the road, the sight of a large procession quickly brought back memories of the recent Saba Saba protests, which saw businesses looted and vandalised in several parts of the city.
“We can’t take chances,” said a supervisor at Magunas Supermarket, Jogoo Road branch. “The last time something like this happened, we suffered losses. We’ve told security to stay alert.”There was a traffic jam in some parts of the road as the crowd moved, forcing some motorists and pedestrians to seek alternative routes.
Updates shared online asked Nairobi residents to avoid the area near St. Stephen’s Church, where the group had arrived by early afternoon.
“They were coming from Makadara Court after Maina Njenga’s case. Singing and marching. It looked peaceful, but you never know,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted.Police maintained their presence to restore calm and peace and said the area would remain under close watch to avoid any escalation.
President William Ruto has directed security agencies to act firmly against anyone who engages in violence or damages property during demonstrations.
"shoot them in the leg" he said.
