Thursday, June 27, is expected to be the mother of all demonstrations, at least according to the organisers online. This is despite President William Ruto withdrawing the contentious Bill that sparked the nationwide protests.
Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Migori, Mombasa, and Homa Bay are witnessing protests as tensions remain palpable in Nairobi after an escalation of the protests 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.
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.
7:15pm - Two Confirmed Dead in Ong'ata Rongai
Two individuals were reportedly killed during protests in Ongata Rongai. The unrest saw protesters looting two supermarkets and clashing with police. Bonfires, stone-throwing, and looting of motorists were also reported on Old Airport Road, Nairobi.
A video shared by Kenyans.co.ke shows police arresting several individuals accused of looting Cleanshelf Supermarket, forcing them to lie on the ground at the store's entrance.
The tension in Rongai remains high, with significant disruptions to transport and businesses.
6:30pm - : Ongata Rongai Residents Report Shooting Still Ongoing
Videos circulating online show that anti-government protests in Ongata Rongai have turned deadly, with police reportedly opening fire on demonstrators.
According to residents sharing their experiences online, police, who are said to be using live bullets are still shooting at the protestors.
Residents have raised alarms on social media, urgently calling for intervention from Police IG Japhet Koome and IPOA.
One particularly harrowing video shows residents desperately rushing a child, allegedly shot by the police near Cleanshelf Supermarket, to the hospital.
Earlier, around 5:00 PM, footage showed protestors overrunning police officers.
The protests intensified in the afternoon, with disturbing images of demonstrators beating three individuals accused of theft who had infiltrated the protests.
4:15pm - Police Deploy Live Bullets Against Protestors in Mombasa
Videos circulating online depict police in Mombasa using live bullets against protestors, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported thus far.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has received reports of civilian deaths due to the use of live ammunition during protests nationwide. "These protests have tragically claimed too many lives unnecessarily," KNCHR stated.
In addition, disturbing videos have surfaced showing youths engaging in street robberies in Mombasa, underscoring the escalating unrest in the coastal city.
4:00pm - Chaos in Nairobi Protests; Thika Super Highway Blocked
Protests in Nairobi escalated with Ng’ara and Muthurwa areas witnessing heightened chaos.
At the Fig Tree area, demonstrators have barricaded both sides of the Thika Super Highway, a key route now ablaze with burning tyres amidst teargas clashes with police.
In the CBD's Imenti area, tensions persist as police confront protestors.
Meanwhile, along Luthuli Avenue, traders and business owners mount vigilance to thwart potential looting by rogue demonstrators.
3:30pm - Medics Shield Injured Protesters at Jamia Mosque
Medics at Jamia Mosque have formed a human barrier to protect injured protesters receiving treatment from police retaliation.
As protests in Nairobi intensify, live footage shows police beating protesters during arrests, and many have suffered injuries from teargas.
Earlier, police lobbed teargas at the mosque, which is serving as a first aid center for injured protesters.
3:15pm - Two Police Officers Injured, Four Protesters Shot in Migori
Two police officers have been injured and four people have sustained gunshot wounds during protests in Migori.
They are receiving treatment at the County Referral Hospital, confirms Director of Medical Services Dr Dan Ochiel.
3:00pm - Protesters Barricade Top Market Road
Youthful protesters have blocked the road with stones around the Top Market area in Nakuru. Police have responded with teargas to disperse the crowd.
Nakuru's were earlier chanting 'Ruto Must Go' as they gathered along Kenyatta Avenue to hold anti-government protests.
2:45pm - Protesters Block Kilifi-Malindi Highway
Protesters in Kilifi have barricaded the Kilifi-Malindi highway at Kwa Kazuri area. Kilifi North Subcounty Police Commander is leading a team of officers to clear the road.
The protests in Kilifi had been largely peaceful but the situation has changed.
2:15pm - Mombasa Protestors Lay Flowers in Honour of Fallen Heroes
Protestors in Mombasa have erected a shrine at Treasury Square to honour those who have died during the anti-finance bill protests.
They formed a circle around three individuals draped in the national flag, singing 'BAADAYE' by Amos and Josh, featuring King Kaka, in a poignant tribute.
The death toll from the protests has reached 23, while Kenyatta National Hospital reported receiving 165 casualties from Tuesday’s clashes.
2:00pm - Protestors Flood Makueni Streets
Around a hundred protestors have taken to the streets in Makueni, burning tyres in a peaceful demonstration.
So far, the police have not intervened or attempted to disperse the protestors.
1:40pm - Protesters Surround Patrolling KDF Soldiers, Chant 'Ruto Must Go'
In a striking display of defiance, Kenyans have begun chanting "Ruto Must Go" at KDF soldiers patrolling Nairobi's CBD.
The soldiers have remained non-aggressive, permitting protestors to approach their vehicles unchallenged.
This marks the first instance of direct interaction between KDF forces and protestors in Nairobi.
Demonstrations have intensified, with numbers swelling along Tom Mboya Street.
The KDF convoy has made its way through the CBD and back to Nyayo Stadium.
1:20pm - Teargas at Jamia Mosque: Aid Workers Targeted
Police have allegedly deployed teargas at aid workers at Jamia Mosque.
Photos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke show aid workers enveloped in tear gas smoke.
This incident follows accusations of police targeting aid workers and journalists during Tuesday’s protests.
"Medical personnel should not be the target, they’re there to offer help to both protesters and police," stated Dr Mercy Korir on X.
1:10pm - KDF Convoy Spotted on Waiyaki Way
A convoy of KDF officers has been seen at Museum Hill, moving along Waiyaki Way.
At the moment, they are at Westlands. The soldiers are making patrols within Nairobi.
We will provide updates as soon as they arrive.
This contingent was part of the soldiers who were at Nyayo Stadium earlier. Some returned to the Lang’ata Barracks.
1:00pm - Tense Standoff at Kisumu State Lodge
In Kisumu, protestors are staging 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.
12:45pm - Protestors Tear Gassed Along Moi Avenue Nairobi
In Nairobi, tear gas fills Moi Avenue as protests gain momentum. Police have begun making arrests amid clashes with demonstrators.
The clashes are taking place near Imenti House. Despite ongoing confrontations, turnout in the capital remains subdued.
The police at the moment, outnumber the protestors.
Protestors are condemning the police for firing teargas at them, claiming they have been peaceful.
“We are peaceful, why are they shooting at us,” questioned protestors.
12:30pm - Chaos in Homa Bay Protests
Tensions escalate in Migori as police use tear gas to disperse protesters in Homa Bay town.
Police and protestors are engaged in running battles.
12:20pm - KDF Retreat to Lang'ata Barracks
KDF soldiers previously stationed at Nyayo Stadium have relocated to the Ulinzi Sports Complex, prepared for potential unrest in the capital.
So far, the numbers of protestors in Nairobi remains small and largely peaceful.
Footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke reveals heavily armed soldiers with armoured cars, tankers, and heavy artillery.
Meanwhile, small crowds are gathering outside Nation Center as Nairobi braces for impending protests.
11:30am - Demos Begin in Kisumu, Protestors Block Main Highway
Demonstrations have ignited in Kisumu as groups of youths flood the streets, joining their counterparts across the country. They have effectively barricaded the Kisumu-Nairobi Highway, the primary gateway to the Lake City.
The protestors are chanting, 'Ruto Must Go'.
As of now, police have refrained from intervening with the protestors.
11:15am - KDF Deployed at Nyayo Stadium as Protests Loom
Live images reveal a significant deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops at Nyayo Stadium, poised to counter potential demonstrations in Nairobi.
The National Assembly approved the military's assistance to police in quelling protests during Wednesday's session.
However, the deployment of the army to combat protestors has been challenged in court and the court is set to pronounce itself today.
11am- Police Tighten Grip as Protests Target State House, Use Drones for Surveillance
A quick assessment of Nairobi reveals that police have sealed off all routes leading to State House, a focal point for today's protests.
Additionally, Parliament Road and City Hall Way, which bore the brunt of Tuesday's unrest, are also closed to traffic.
Today, unlike the scattered response seen earlier this week, police presence in the capital is significantly heightened. Key gathering points along Kenyatta Avenue, Archives, and GPO are heavily guarded by large contingents of officers.
Furthermore, authorities are utilising drones for surveillance across the city.
10:45am - Protests Begin in Mombasa
Protests have begun in Mombasa, with no incidents reported so far.
The protests in the coastal city on Tuesday, remain largely peaceful.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir joined the protestors on Tuesday and stopped police from firing teargas and beating protestors.
The protestors on Thursday are demanding President Ruto resign.
10:30am - Protestors Out Numbers in Migori
Protestors are engaging police in running battles in Migori starting at 9am this morning.
The protestors have closed some roads leading to Migori town. Protestors are burning tyres and are facing off with police who have begun firing teargas at them.
