The country is poised for another day of intense protests as ‘Total Shutdown Tuesday’ unfolds on July 16.
Anticipation runs high following the violent demonstrations that erupted on Tuesday, July 2, resulting in chaos and casualties across Nairobi, Mombasa, and Migori.
President William Ruto's administration stands at a pivotal moment, having partially addressed some of the demands voiced by Kenya’s youth.
Ruto’s drastic actions include dismissing his entire cabinet, sparing only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and vowing to eliminate the offices of the first and second ladies, as well as the office of the prime cabinet secretary's spouse.
The protest organisers' call to action, shared widely on social media, is emphatic: “If you can't protest, stay home in memory of the heroes we have lost in the peaceful protests, and in solidarity with the GenZs who are fighting for a better Kenya.”
Since the anti-government protests began on June 18, a grim toll has emerged: with 41 lives lost and over 600 arrests made. The unrest ignited in response to proposed tax hikes, reflecting widespread discontent with the current administration’s policies.
4:30pm - Journalist Shot in Nakuru Protests
A Media Max Limited journalist, Catherine Wanjeri has been shot by police in Nakuru.
Catherine was covering the protests when she was shot. She has been rushed to Valley Hospital.
This comes as the protests in Nakuru have turned more violent.
3:15pm - Protests Rock Governors Across Baringo, Kericho, and Nyamira
Kabarnet town descended into chaos as police deployed teargas to disperse a crowd of angry youths storming Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi's office.
The demonstration is part of escalating frustration over local governance, with protesters demanding immediate accountability from their leaders.
In Kericho, a similar scene unfolded as citizens arrived at Governor Erick Mutai's offices, voicing their dissatisfaction with the administration's handling of critical issues. The atmosphere was charged, reflecting a growing sentiment that local officials must answer for their actions.
Meanwhile, hundreds of youths flooded the streets of Nyamira, rallying against Governor Amos Nyatibo's leadership.
This wave of protests resonates with broader national calls for accountability, as many Kenyans urge that the momentum for reform should extend beyond the national level to encompass devolved units.
3:00pm - Nakuru Protests: Police Allegedly Abduct Protester
Nakuru has become the latest flashpoint in a series of nationwide protests that have turned violent. Eyewitnesses reported that police allegedly abducted a protester in Nakuru's Central Business District, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
The unidentified man was seen being forcibly taken by both uniformed and plain-clothed officers into an unmarked police car. His current whereabouts are unknown, adding to the tension and fear among the protesters.
The protests, which had started peacefully, quickly escalated as police resorted to firing tear gas at the crowds. Although many areas in Nakuru had remained relatively calm, the recent developments have heightened the unrest.
Police presence in Nakuru has increased significantly, with officers patrolling the streets on foot and on horseback, creating a tense and volatile environment.
A protestor in Nairobi narrowly escaped a similar alleged abduction, fighting officers to free himself before racing for his life.
2:30pm - Protestors Carry Body of Man Allegedly Killed by Police in Kitengela Protests
The situation in Kitengela has escalated to a critical level. One individual has been fatally shot by police, igniting a new wave of outrage among protestors.
The deceased, seen in graphic images with a gunshot wound to the eye, has become a symbol of the intensifying unrest.
Protestors have been hurling stones at the police with the police responding by with tear gas.
Protestors, carrying the body of the slain individual, have blocked the Nairobi-Namanga highway, resulting in a severe standoff with police forces.
Kitengela, the epicentre of the nationwide protests that began on Tuesday, remains in turmoil as demonstrations continue unabated since 9am.
2:15pm - Protestors Raid and Loot National Oil Petrol Station in Kakamega
A group of protestors has stormed and looted a National Oil petrol station in Kakamega County, escalating tensions in the region. Footage circulating online captures a large crowd raiding the petrol station, making off with gas cylinders and various other items.
Earlier reports indicated that individuals armed with clubs and batons were seen in the area. However, subsequent videos show protestors disarming these alleged goons, further heightening the chaos.
The atmosphere in Kakamega remains volatile as the situation continues to unfold. Authorities have yet to regain control.
2:00pm - Child Shot During Nairobi Protests
Nairobi's Central Business District has descended into chaos as planned protests took a violent turn, resulting in a young boy being shot.
Disturbing footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows a group of men frantically carrying the injured child, seeking urgent medical attention.
The boy, who was shot in his right leg, has become the face of the turmoil gripping the city.
Despite the harrowing incident, it remains unclear what the child was doing in the CBD at the time of the shooting.
There are other unverified reports of another protestor being shot and killed by police in the capital.
The police over the course of the protests have been accused of using excess force. At least 41 people have been said to have died in the protests with some dying from injuries allegedly inflicted by police.
1:30pm - Police and Protestors Clash in Nairobi, Two Protestors Injured
Nairobi has been thrown into chaos as protests against government policies turn violent, leading to intense clashes between demonstrators and police.
Protests began quietly but escalated into running battles across the city's streets. Authorities had vowed to disperse any gatherings, and they made good on their promise, with police using force to break up crowds.
The standoff ahs seen demonstrators police hurling tear gas at protestors.
The city's central areas, particularly Moi Avenue and Kimathi Streets, are the epicentre of the unrest. Live footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed the intensity of the confrontations.
Two protestors have been injured. One at Archives area and was rescued by a Red Cross ambulance, while the other was injured at Kenyatta Avenue, near Naivas Supermarket, and was seen being assisted by other protestors on a motorbike.
1:00pm - Police Clash with Protestors Amid Goons Infiltration
The peaceful protests in Mombasa have turned volatile, as police engage in running battles with protestors.
This comes after the Urban area OCPD who is leading the police contingent in Mombasa, had earlier told the press that the protests have been infiltrated by alleged goons. The authorities claim that the demonstrations have been infiltrated by goons, prompting a stern response.
The initially peaceful protests, which began around 10 am, have taken a violent turn. Police have resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to chaotic scenes in the streets.
Despite the intense confrontations, there have been no reports of injuries so far.
12:00pm - Protests Disrupt Schools and Businesses in Mombasa
Ongoing protests in Mombasa have led to the closure of several schools and businesses across various wards, as demonstrators take to the streets demanding action.
Reports from the coastal city indicate that schools in Mombasa, Nyali, Likoni, Changamwe, Jomvu, Kisauni, and Mvita have shuttered their doors due to safety concerns arising from the unrest.
The protests have also disrupted normal business operations, with numerous shops forced to close amid the escalating tensions.
Major roads within Mombasa and key routes leading in and out of the city have been barricaded, complicating travel for residents and commuters alike.
Incidents of protestors setting tires ablaze have been reported, adding to the volatile atmosphere gripping parts of the coastal city.
The local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and police have not interfered with the protests.
11:30am - Kisumu Erupts in Protests, Youths Block Key Highway
Protests have erupted in Kisumu, as frustrated youths have blocked the Nairobi-Kisumu highway.
Demonstrators, waving flags and dancing, have set up a roadblock in the heart of Kisumu CBD, drawing attention to their grievances.
Police have blocked roads leading to State House Lodge in Kisumu.
As of now, no incidents of violence or unrest have been reported, with the atmosphere remaining largely peaceful.
11:am - Protests Erupt Across Nairobi and Mombasa
Protests have erupted in Mombasa and Nairobi as youths respond to the call for ‘Occupy Tuesday’.
In Nairobi, tensions escalated as police deployed tear gas against small groups of demonstrators along Moi Avenue, near the Super Metro stage.
While the situation in Nairobi remains volatile, the scene in Mombasa is markedly different. Hundreds of protestors have taken to Abdelnasser Road, marching through the coastal city’s CBD without any reported incidents.
The atmosphere in Mombasa remains largely peaceful as the youths make their voices heard.
11:00 am - Masked Armed Groups Gather in Kericho & Kakamega Ahead of Protests
Video footage circulating online reveals groups of masked men wielding clubs in Kericho and Kakamega counties, raising concerns as the nation braces for anticipated protests.
The unclear directives given to these individuals have drawn alarming parallels to previous events in Nairobi, where armed businessmen took similar action to protect their interests during prior demonstrations.
Speculation is rife that these groups may have been deployed to infiltrate and disrupt the upcoming protests in these regions. The sight of masked individuals gathering has escalated tensions, prompting fears of potential violence during what are expected to be peaceful demonstrations.
Douglas Kanja, the Acting Police Inspector General, issued a stark warning, confirming that police intelligence has uncovered plans by certain organised criminal groups to infiltrate and destabilise the protests.
"This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organised groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt, and jeopardise the safety of demonstrators," Kanja stated.
My colleague, Derrick Okubasu, has more on this developing story.
10:30am - State House Sealed Off as Protests Loom
Anti-riot police have blocked all roads leading to State House Nairobi this morning in preparation for a planned nationwide protest. Security measures are in full force as vehicles and their occupants undergo rigorous screening, with many being turned away at the barriers.
A senior police officer involved in today’s deployment described the actions as routine, emphasising the need for heightened security around key government installations on days of potential unrest.
These barricades were established last month after youth groups threatened to ‘Occupy State House,’ reflecting escalating tensions across the nation.
9:45am - Protests Erupt in Kitengela
Anti-government protests have erupted in Kitengela, Kajiado County, marking the first reported demonstrations across the country.
Videos circulating online show a group of youths marching along the Nairobi-Namanga highway, raising tensions in the area.
Police are present but have not yet intervened with the protesters.
Previous demonstrations in Kitengela saw alleged goons break into a local entertainment venue, leading to looting incidents.
8:00am - KDF Troops Spotted at Nyayo Stadium, Tense Atmosphere in Nairobi
Nyayo Stadium is witnessing a flurry of activity as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been spotted gearing up ahead of planned anti-government protests.
The deployment, gazetted by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, is set to continue until the country returns to normalcy.
President William Ruto, assured Kenyans that the KDF would not be deployed on the streets during Tuesday's protests, provided the demonstrations remain peaceful. However, the presence of military personnel at the stadium suggests preparations for potential unrest.
The capital remains on edge following the last round of protests on July 2, where KDF troops patrolled the streets, confronting jubilant protestors.
Many businesses in Nairobi have shut their doors, with only essential services like eateries and a few shops continuing operations. The tense atmosphere is palpable, with police visibly stationed across various parts of the city, underscoring the authorities’ readiness to manage the situation.
Despite reassurances from the President, the significant military presence has fueled concerns among Nairobi residents about possible confrontations and the extent of the government’s response to the demonstrations.
