Protests have erupted across multiple regions in the country, intensifying demands for improved governance. What began as anti-finance bill demonstrations last month have now escalated into widespread anti-government protests.
Today’s rallying call from protest organisers is ‘Occupy Everywhere’.
Protest have started in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Kitengela, and Makueni, while Nairobi remains relatively calm, although reports and live footage indicate gathering crowds in various parts of the capital.
Recent reports highlight a grim toll from the ongoing protests: 39 fatalities and 361 injuries have been reported. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) disclosed alarming figures on Monday, July 1, revealing 32 abductions and 627 arrests amid the escalating unrest.
The court last week ordered the police not to use teargas and live bullets against protestors.
5:30pm - KNH Receives 25 Casualties From Anti-Government Protests
The Kenyatta National Hospital has reported receiving 25 injured victims from today's widespread anti-government protests across the country.
Reports of both police and civilian shootings at demonstrators have surfaced, intensifying tensions in several regions.
Protests in Nairobi continue unabated, marking a day of heightened unrest and civic action against the government's policies.
5:00pm - Commander Bungei Sent to Kangemi to Reopen Blocked Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei is spearheading a police reinforcement effort to reopen the heavily congested Nairobi-Nakuru highway, which has been barricaded by protesters throughout the day.
The situation escalated around 3:00pm when police were overwhelmed by demonstrators, prompting a tactical retreat.
Currently, two police water cannons are deployed, with additional GSU officers arriving at Kangemi Flyover to disperse the protesters.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far.
4:30pm - Protests Escalate in Karatina as Roads Blocked and Bonfires Lit
In Karatina, tensions have boiled over as protestors lit bonfires and barricaded roads in the town, intensifying their demonstration.
Police, having used up their tear gas supplies, have withdrawn from the area, leaving only Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) personnel to maintain order on the streets.
4:00pm - ‘Protestors’ Loot Quiver Kitengela Targeted
Amid ongoing protests, unidentified individuals have vandalized and looted Quiver Lounge and Grill Kitengela. Videos circulating online depict a group breaking into the establishment, fleeing with unspecified valuables.
This incident adds to a wave of looting reported across businesses in Mombasa and Nairobi, marking a troubling escalation of unrest.
3:00pm - Protestors Overpower Police in Kangemi, March Toward CBD
Protestors in Kangemi have overpowered police and are now heading towards Nairobi CBD.
The clashes began at 11 am, with police deploying tear gas in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators. However, the protestors have now taken control, pushing past the police line.
Live images show the protestors near Kianda School along Waiyaki Way, with police still firing tear gas in a bid to regain control.
2:45pm - Ruto’s Response to Resignation Calls
Protestors across the country since Thursday last week, have been calling for President William Ruto to pack his bags and leave.
Under the chant ‘Ruto Must Go’ the protestors in over 20 parts of the country have once again poured into the streets to call for Ruto’s head.
On Sunday, June 30, President William Ruto addressed the growing calls for his resignation during an interview with Kenyans.co.ke. He argued that his resignation wouldn't necessarily solve the country's problems.
With the country's mood deteriorating rapidly, it appears that Ruto might soon find himself with little choice.
2:30pm - Three People Shot in Mombasa Protests
Three protesters have been shot in Mombasa as the demonstrations turn increasingly violent.
The wounded protesters were reportedly shot by a private gun holder. In a clip circulating online, a man dressed in a blue kanzu can be seen firing his pistol at angry protesters who were hurling stones at him.
The protesters in the video were shouting "Killer." The police have not issued any report on the matter.
The shootings occurred during police efforts to control the escalating unrest. Vehicles have been torched, and the Coffee Point Hotel has been vandalised.
The situation in Mombasa continues to go down hill with accusations of looting being levelled at protestors.
2:15pm - Protesters Place Coffins Along Moi Avenue to Symbolise Slain Comrades
Protestors have laid coffins along Nairobi's Moi Avenue, intensifying the ongoing demonstrations.
Currently, eight coffins have been counted, with the number steadily increasing.
Police are dispersing protestors with teargas as they carry the coffins in memory of those who have died during the anti-government protests.
Authorities have cleared the coffins from the road to restore traffic flow.
1:45pm - Police Shoot a Protestor at Odeon
One protestor was shot in the leg at Odeon as protests in Nairobi turned increasingly violent. The injured protestor was quickly rushed to the hospital.
Some business owners have taken to the streets to protect their businesses amid reports of looting and break-ins by some protestors.
Speaking on live television, a group of businessmen along Tom Mboya Street said they thwarted an attempt by protestors to torch a Shell petrol station on Latema Road.
The businessmen stated that they are now cooperating with the police to safeguard their properties. “We are now working with the police since these protests have turned into a looting spree,” said one businessman.
1:30pm - Mombasa Protests Turn Violent
In Mombasa, peaceful protests have spiralled into violence. Protesters are clashing with police, who are responding with tear gas to disperse the crowds.
This unrest follows an appeal for peace from Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. Earlier, he addressed the protesters, urging them to remain calm. "I am with the people of Mombasa. Let youths come out to protest without politicians. I am urging you to protest in peace. For those looting, there is no difference between them and Ruto," he told a group of chanting youths.
Similar scenes of chaos are unfolding in Kisii, Nyeri, and Nakuru. In Nakuru, a heavy police and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) presence fills the streets. Protesters are facing off against KDF armoured cars, escalating tensions further.
1:15pm - Violence Erupts in Nairobi Protests
Amidst escalating protests across Nairobi and other regions, tensions flared on Tuesday, resulting in outbreaks of violence.
In Nairobi's CBD, specifically at Odeon, clashes between protestors and police escalated into running battles, with reports of stone-throwing and property destruction.
One shoe-shinning stall at Odeon has been set ablaze. Tom Mboya has been closed with stones as youths and protestors face off.
The unrest extended to various parts of the capital, where additional protests were reported.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) presence in Nairobi.
The situation remains fluid as authorities work to restore order amidst the ongoing demonstrations.
12:45pm - Protestors in Mlolongo Disrupts Traffic on Expressway
Protesters in Mlolongo have initiated vandalism along a section of the Nairobi Expressway, resulting in severe disruptions to traffic to and from Nairobi CBD.
Several matatus with passengers are currently held at the weighbridge until the situation stabilises. If you're feeling unsafe, the weighbridge remains accessible, with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic significantly reduced due to the unrest.
All businesses in the area have closed as a precautionary measure.
A heavy police presence has been deployed along the Expressway. Protesters have barricaded both Nairobi-bound and Mombasa-bound lanes around Weighbridge in Mlolongo using stones and debris.
Additionally, police have established a roadblock at Athi River, impacting vehicles and movement from that area.
Both weighbridge in Mlolongo and Athi River are closed off by authorities and protesters. Ground reports indicate a tense atmosphere prevailing overall.
11:45am - Youths Block Section of Nairobi-Nakuru Highway at Kangemi
A group of youths has effectively shut down a section of the bustling Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Kangemi by blocking both sides of the road with stones.
The group has bean torching tyres on the road as the protests gather momentum.
The protest, which began with a few individuals, has rapidly grown in numbers at the Waiyaki Way footbridge.
Police presence is evident, with officers resorting to teargas to disperse the demonstrators.
This action has resulted in significant traffic disruptions, preventing vehicles travelling to and from the city from passing through the area.
11:15am - 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.
The number of protestors is quickly rising.
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.
11:00am - Mombasa Protestors Out in Numbers
Protestors are out in huge crowds in Mombasa, with the police calling for peace during the protests.
Already, Mbaraki Girls Secondary School has closed and sent all students home.
Earlier, protestors confronted
No incidents have been reported so far.
10:30am - KDF on Standby at Nyayo Stadium
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are on standby at Nyayoi Stadium ahead of the planned protests in Nairobi.
A majority of businesses remain closed in the CBD, to prevent the slew of looting that was reported in Tuesday and Thursday's protests last week.
The mood in the capital is tense.
