6:30pm - That's the End
As we close this live blog, we are receiving unconfirmed reports that one protestor has been shot dead in Kakamega. Several injuries have been reported in Nairobi.
Police are reported to have used live bullets in Mukuru kwa Njenga, Pipeline, and Imara Daima, where protests have persisted throughout the day.
Despite the running battles between the police and protestors, no deaths have been reported in the capital.
Protestors were unable to reach Parliament, and both the National Assembly and Senate carried out their sittings without interruption.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any developments across the country. Tomorrow, we will take stock and provide voices of the aftermath of today's protests.
3:30pm - Protests Escalate in Githurai: Thika Road Blocked
Thika Road is shut down at Githurai 45 Roundabout as protests, initially confined to Outering Road, surge towards Githurai.
Kamiti Road is now obstructed by bonfires blazing at crucial points, including Mirema Coop Bank, Base, Tanners, and Githurai Stage.
Commuters heading to Ruiru, Thika, and surrounding areas are urged to reroute via Lumumba Drive and Northern Bypass.
What began as a slow-moving demonstration is rapidly intensifying as police clash with protesters.
3:00pm - Kenya Air Force Deployed in Pipeline
Kenya Air Force officers have been called in to support police forces in Pipeline after a day of intense clashes with protestors. The unrest began when demonstrators, aiming to "occupy" Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), came within 500 metres of East Africa’s busiest airport.
Protestors have barricaded Outering Road with stones, makeshift shelters, and tyres. The situation has deteriorated, with ongoing violent skirmishes between the police and demonstrators. Despite efforts by General Service Unit (GSU) officers to clear debris from the highway, protestors quickly return to block the route.
The confrontation shows no signs of easing as both sides remain entrenched in the conflict.
2:15pm - Protestors Marching to JKIA Dispersed by Tear Gas at Nyayo Stadium
Police have fired tear gas at protestors marching from Nairobi's CBD towards JKIA along Uhuru Highway. The demonstration, labelled 'Occupy JKIA,' saw groups of protestors attempting to make their way to the airport.
Initially, police did not intervene within the CBD, but the procession was halted at Bunyala Round. The dispersal effort has scattered the protestors, though a small group of youths remains at the roundabout.
We are monitoring live streams on TikTok, which show that some protestors managed to bypass the police at Nyayo Stadium, reaching South B Estates. However, this group has also been met with police resistance and forced to disperse. They are now mobilising to return to the CBD.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
1:45pm - Large Number of Youths Protest in Nairobi CBD
Hundreds of protestors have gathered along Moi Avenue, intensifying calls for President William Ruto’s ouster. The demonstrators met with Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei, chanting ‘We Are Peaceful’ as they marched. Despite an earlier injury to a boda boda rider, no further injuries have been reported.
This morning, Nairobi appeared deserted, sparking uncertainty about the protests. However, protestors have now emerged in force, singing and dancing in the streets.
We will keep you updated on the unfolding events.
1:15pm - Violent Clashes Grip Imara Daima
The situation in Imara Daima has rapidly deteriorated as protests turn violent.
Protesters and police are in a tense standoff, with demonstrators throwing stones while police exercise restraint.
Despite the tension, officers occasionally resort to tear gas to disperse the crowds, though their options are limited due to the residential nature of the area.
Nearby, another group of protesters in Pipeline Estate is also clashing with police.
1pm - Protests Break Out on Outering Road, Heavy Military Presence
Protests have erupted on Outering Road, with police and a large group of youths facing off, just about 500 metres from the fence of the JKIA.
The road is impassable, as protestors, who have been gathering since morning, blocked it with stones and tyres.
Police are firing tear gas to disperse the protestors, who are thought to be in their hundreds and attempting to clear the road. The protestors had closed the roads leading into Pipeline Estate and into the Outering Road.
A heavy military presence has been observed at one of the entrances to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport along Outering Road.
The military is not aiding the police yet. The police have been in control of the situation, with units drawn from anti-riot police and GSU on the scene.
12:30pm - Motorbike Set Ablaze, One Injured as Boda Boda Operators Clash in Nairobi
Nairobi's central business district has been rocked by violence as a boda boda rider has been injured and his motorcycle set on fire. The motorcycle blazed outside Naivas on Kenyatta Avenue, near Imenti House.
The clash erupted between a large group of pro-government boda boda operators and their rivals, who operate within the CBD. The situation escalated quickly, prompting police to deploy teargas to disperse the crowd gathering along Moi Avenue.
The injured rider was forcibly removed from the scene by a photojournalist and a police officer. The protests continue to evolve as tensions remain high in the area.
12:15pm - Pro-Government Boda Boda Riders Rally Against Nationwide Protests
A new wave of counter-protestors has surged onto Nairobi's streets, demanding an end to the month-long nationwide demonstrations. Composed predominantly of boda boda riders, the group is rallying with bold placards proclaiming, “It’s Now Time to Work.”
The demonstrators, some on motorcycles and others on foot are advancing from the Green Park Terminus towards the city centre, with their route taking them past KRA. Earlier, they were seen refuelling their motorcycles at Haile Selassie Roundabout.
Another group is making rounds around the CBD on their motorcycles, uninterrupted.
The group’s signs feature messages such as "Let's give President time" and "Tumechoka na Gen Z," echoing a pro-government stance amidst the ongoing unrest.
There is no sign of police anywhere near this group of protestors.
12:00pm - Clashes Erupt in Migori as Youth Protesters Disrupt Major Highway
Violent confrontations between youthful protesters and police have erupted along the Isebania-Migori-Awendo highway, causing significant disruption to businesses and transportation.
The situation turned chaotic as demonstrators, fiercely chanting "Ruto Must Go," clashed with law enforcement, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The clashes have not only impacted local commerce but have also halted traffic along the critical route, amplifying the unrest in the region.
Authorities are struggling to control the escalating situation as tensions remain high.
11:45am - Security Heightened at Moi and Eldoret Airports Amid Protest Fears
Moi International Airport is seeing a surge in security measures as authorities brace for potential protests. The General Service Unit and Kenya Police are on high alert, working together to ensure safety.
At Eldoret International Airport, a new police checkpoint has been set up, with traffic officers conducting spot checks to maintain order.
In contrast, Mombasa International Airport remains calm with no protesters reported. However, heightened vigilance is evident as armed police are meticulously inspecting every vehicle entering the airport premises.
Authorities are maintaining a tight grip on security across the board, with a notable increase in police presence and procedural checks.
11:30am - Protests Erupt in Kitengela and Imara Daima
Chaos has broken out in Kitengela and Imara Daima, with violent clashes reported.
In Kitengela, demonstrators are hurling stones at police officers, who have retaliated by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The situation has escalated significantly, with a notable police presence in the area.
Earlier today, a group of youths, armed with clubs and allegedly hired by local businesses, paraded through Kitengela, intensifying the unrest.
Meanwhile, in Imara Daima, protesters have set tyres alight and barricaded roads with stones, further disrupting the area. The scene remains volatile as authorities struggle to contain the situation.
11:00am - Industrial Area Businesses Shut Down, Send Workers Home
Businesses across Nairobi's Industrial Area have come to a halt ahead of Tuesday's anticipated anti-government protests.
Employers along North Airport Road have advised workers to stay home, causing a significant shutdown in the area. Uniformed police officers are out in force, patrolling Enterprise, Likoni, Lusaka, and Lunga roads to maintain order.
At Nairobi's remand, allocation, and maximum security prisons, guards are on high alert. Armed personnel are stationed at key points along Lusaka and Enterprise roads, ensuring heightened security measures are in place.
Shops in South B Shopping Centre have also closed their doors, driven by fears of potential looting.
Matatu operators servicing routes such as Town/Embakasi/Roundabout/GM have increased fares by Ksh20. This hike is intended to offset the anticipated disruptions caused by the protests. Despite the fare increase, many PSVs remain empty, with few passengers boarding.
10:45am - Police Fire Tear Gas at a Group of Boda Boda Riders Along Mombasa Road
A significant disturbance has erupted along Mombasa Road as a large contingent of boda boda riders makes their way towards JKIA. Their exact intentions are currently unknown, creating a tense atmosphere.
Footage circulating online shows police deploying teargas against the riders near Haile Selassie Roundabout.
The group was seen earlier refueling at Rubis Petrol Station before embarking on their journey along Mombasa Road.
Meanwhile, another assembly of boda boda riders has been observed parked near Imara Daima, adding to speculations online.
Local delivery riders have distanced themselves from the group, highlighting the growing divide within the community.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story.
10:30am - Police to Crack Down on Protests Around JKIA
Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has issued a stern warning, placing severe restrictions on all forms of protests in the protected areas surrounding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The move aims to curb potential disruptions and ensure security in sensitive zones.
Kanja's statement, released at approximately 10:20 a.m., makes it unequivocally clear that all protected zones are off-limits to unauthorised individuals. “For the avoidance of doubt, JKIA is listed as a protected area,” he declared, reinforcing the strict no-entry policy for these critical regions.
The restricted areas include vital infrastructure such as the LPG plant, bitumen plant, and petroleum depots located at the Embakasi Aviation Depot within the JKIA precincts.
10am- National Assembly Set to Resume Despite Threat of Protest
The National Assembly is poised to reconvene this afternoon, 2:30 pm, following a break but uncertainty looms as Speaker Moses Wetangula remains tight-lipped on whether today's sitting will face an adjournment.
Online, there are growing calls for the occupation of Parliament buildings as MPs prepare to cast their votes on the fate of the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
The last parliamentary session followed the day after MPs fled the scene when protesters breached the Parliament fence and entered parts of the August House.
On Thursday, June 27, at least three protesters were reportedly shot outside Parliament. MPs were hurriedly relocated to Bunge Towers and then moved to a Nairobi hotel for the night.
Speaker Wetangula has estimated the damage from the protests at Ksh94 million, citing the destruction of furniture, and digital equipment, and a fire that ravaged part of the building. However, he assured that the repairs would be covered by insurance.
As tensions escalate, large police contingents have been deployed throughout Nairobi, heightening the atmosphere ahead of the anticipated demonstrations.
9:30am - Tensions Rise as Protesters Head Towards JKIA
Videos circulating online show groups of youths heading towards JKIA, sparking concern as protests are expected to unfold.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had issued a stern warning to demonstrators planning to protest on Tuesday, stressing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries.
Kanja highlighted the Protected Areas Act Cap 204, which prohibits unauthorised access to designated protected areas. “The Protected Areas Order, as defined under Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, includes critical sites such as the LPG Plant, Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” Kanja stated.
In anticipation of the potential disruptions, the Kenya Airports Authority has urged passengers to arrive early due to increased security measures. “To avoid delays, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well ahead of their flight times. Please check with your airline for the latest flight information,” the KAA alert read.
If you're planning activities along Mombasa Road, exercise caution due to the unfolding situation.
8:30am - KDF Mobilises at Nyayo Stadium
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been spotted at Nyayo Stadium, maintaining their vigilance ahead of the planned protests.
KDF has remained on high alert following their deployment by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on June 28 to control escalating protests. Duale's directive, announced through a gazette notice, mandated KDF presence in all 47 counties.
Parliament later endorsed this deployment just before they adjourned for their recess last month.
During last Tuesday's demonstrations, KDF units stationed at Nyayo Stadium did not venture beyond the Central Business District. Conversely, in Kisumu, troops were positioned outside the State Lodge.
Since their deployment, the KDF has patrolled Nairobi only once, encountering protestors along Moi Avenue. The current mobilisation at Nyayo Stadium signals a continued high alert and readiness to respond to any unrest.
8:00am - Security Agencies Target Four Senior Figures Linked to Sponsoring Protests
Security agencies are closing in on four senior figures accused of sponsoring the ongoing youth-led protests. Nation reported on Tuesday that a close associate of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and three other people are now targeted for arrest. Intelligence reports indicate these individuals are linked to the nationwide demonstrations.
Among the suspects is a lawyer known for his controversial stances, who has vehemently denied any involvement in illegal activities. Another suspect, a relative from a powerful family in the Mt Kenya region, remains under scrutiny for his communications with influential figures.
Also under the government's microscope is a former high-ranking official from the Mwai Kibaki administration, who has retreated to a quiet life but is now suspected of financing the protests.
The investigation, spearheaded by a multi-agency team including the DCI Economic Crimes Unit, Financial Reporting Centre, and NIS, aims to uncover the roots of the protests. Kenyatta's spokesperson, Kanze Dena, had not responded to the allegations by press time.
Good morning, and welcome to our 'Maandamano Tuesday' LIVE Blog. Kenya braces for another tumultuous day as protests erupt nationwide this Tuesday, July 23.
Activists are calling for an 'occupation' of key locations, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Momentum for today's demonstrations surged last Friday, July 19, when President William Ruto unveiled his first batch of 11 cabinet nominees. Six of these appointees are familiar faces from the previous administration, a move that has sparked widespread discontent.
Critics have condemned the decision as a betrayal, accusing the president of exacerbating existing grievances.
The backlash online has been fierce, with many Kenyans voicing their frustration over the return of these figures. Adding fuel to the fire, several of the five new nominees have connections to the former Cabinet, deepening public disillusionment.
Despite six weeks of relentless protests aimed at unseating President Ruto, participation has waned in recent weeks. Nevertheless, the toll has been severe: 50 lives lost and at least 600 arrests since the unrest began on June 18.
