Good morning, and welcome to our LIVE BLOG of 'Nane Nane' protests.
Thursday, August 8, is set to be a day of stark contrasts. President William Ruto will swear in 19 new Cabinet Secretaries at State House Nairobi, while Kenyans prepare for what could be the largest protest yet.
Posters online for over two weeks have called for a massive march in Nairobi, projecting participation from 5 million people. To put that into perspective, the anti-finance bill protests on Thursday, June 25, saw an estimated one million protestors.
That day turned tragic as protestors broke into Parliament, forcing legislators to flee, and several were shot dead.
The protest posters assert, "Weekly street protests are costing us lives. Our people are being murdered and abducted daily." The movement draws inspiration from Egypt's Tahrir Square protests in 2011, which led to President Hosni Mubarak's resignation after 18 days.
3:30pm - Police Seal Off Nairobi CBD, No PSVs Allowed In
Nairobi CBD has turned into a battleground as police clamp down on access to the city centre. All major roads leading to the capital are now under strict police control, with Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) being barred from entering.
Those working in the CBD are finding themselves stranded, with police setting up roadblocks at key junctions, including Waiyaki Way at Kangemi and the Jogoo Road-Buruburu junction.
As tensions escalate, demonstrators have taken to Kimathi Street in protest, leading to several arrests. Anti-riot police are forcefully clearing the central business district, ordering shops to close, and forcing matatus to vacate.
Even boda boda operators are not being spared, as they are barred from congregating at their usual spots.
The situation continues to deteriorate as more Nane Nane protesters gather in the streets, adding to the chaos.
Traders caught unawares are bearing the brunt of the police crackdown, with no one being spared as officers aggressively enforce the clear-out.
Motorists, too, are feeling the impact, with police at Bunyala Roundabout blocking all access to the CBD. The city is now in lockdown as the protests rage on.
2:30pm - Martha Karua Stands With Gen Zs, Joins Protestors in Nairobi CBD
Former Azimio la Umoja Coalition co-principal and NARC-Kenya leader, Martha Karua, has been spotted in Nairobi's streets, boldly standing with protestors as tensions escalate. The opposition chief was captured on video striding through the city centre, a symbolic act of defiance as anti-riot police flood the area to disperse demonstrators.
Amidst the chaos, Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are being forced out of the Central Business District (CBD), and shop owners are under pressure to close their doors indefinitely.
Both Uptown and Downtown Nairobi have ground to a halt, with activities across the city centre completely disrupted. The heavy police presence has transformed the usually bustling streets into a battleground of civil unrest.
12:30pm - Journalists Injured, Several Arrested and Shops Shut Down
Police have begun arresting demonstrators participating in the Nane Nane protests along Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central Business District.
Tensions are high as officers apprehend those attempting to stage a peaceful sit-down protest. The crackdown has led to significant disruptions, with numerous shops in the area remaining shuttered.
Among those affected, journalist Cecilia Ngunjiri has been reported injured while covering the protests. Eyewitnesses claim she was struck by police while documenting the events.
Several Kenyans have been detained in a police van stationed outside Java on Kimathi Street. The situation continues to develop as authorities intensify their efforts to quell the demonstrations.
11:30am - Police Lob Teargas to Disperse Protesters Gathering in Nairobi CBD
Chaos unfolds in Nairobi's central business district as police launch a fierce crackdown on protestors.
Tear gas has been unleashed at Archives along Moi Avenue, turning the area into a no-go zone with choking clouds of gas.
Despite the police’s aggressive efforts to disperse the crowds, including sweeping through the Odeon area and other CBD hotspots, defiant youths continue to rally.
The tension remains high as police patrols maintain a strict presence, yet a number of Kenyans are moving freely without interference.
The streets of Nairobi are brimming with unrest as the clash between demonstrators and law enforcement escalates.
10:10am - Police Erect Roadblocks on Thika Road
Reports indicate that police have set up their first roadblock on a major entry route into Nairobi. The roadblock, manned by armed officers, is positioned along Thika Super Highway at Safari Park.
A second roadblock has been established just past Guru Nanak in Pangani, further blocking access towards Ngara and the CBD.
The strategic placement of these roadblocks appears to be part of a broader security measure in a bid to block protestors from reaching the capital.
Some of the neighbourhoods that use the highway include Roysambu, Garden Estate, Kahawa Sukari, Zimmerman, Githurai, Kahawa West, Ruiru, and Kasarani. Other estates include Ngumba, Ruaraka, Mwiki, and Juja.
In the past, protestors have walked to the capital using the highway. The last protests that called for Kenyans to occupy the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) saw protestors and police engage for hours along Outering Road, one of the roads that link with Thika Super Highway.
10:00 am - Protests Erupt at Archives
Youths armed with whistles have congregated at the Archives area, initiating protests. Although the groups are relatively small, they seem to be well-organised.
One faction is situated near the Ambassador Hotel, while another is positioned on Moi Avenue. Police are stationed across from the Kencom bus stop, where they have previously engaged with the protesters. For now, the demonstrations are continuing without significant police intervention.
9:45am - Nairobi on High Alert, Police Mount Roadblocks Around State House
Heavy police presence is evident around all major roads leading to the State House, where the new Cabinet is set to take the oath of office.
Roadblocks have been erected, signalling heightened security measures as the nation watches closely.
Kenyans appear to be steering clear of Nairobi's central business district (CBD) in anticipation of planned protests. Many are opting to stay away from the area, contributing to smoother transport conditions in most parts of the city.
Traffic is lighter than usual on major routes such as Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Jogoo Road. Despite some roadblocks, movement remains relatively fluid.
The capital has so far experienced a calm atmosphere. However, previous protests have seen crowds start to gather around 11am, so the situation could change.
Earlier reports indicated that police had fired tear gas in the Archives area of the CBD. Currently, a significant police presence is noted at Kencom.
9:30am - CS Kindiki's Ministry Issues Directives for Protestors
Interior Permanent CS Dr Raymond Omollo has outlined the do’s and don’ts for protestors. The Ministry of Interior emphasised the need for responsibility and peace among Kenyans.
Protestors are required to:
- Notify the Police in advance
- Remain peaceful at all times
- Stay unarmed
- Not carry offensive weapons
- Avoid engaging in or promoting violence or riots
- Refrain from breaching public order, intimidating, or harassing others
- Ensure protests end by 6 pm
- Police presence is assured to provide safety and protection for all participants.
9:00am - IPOA on High Alert
The police oversight body is actively monitoring the situation across the country for any instances of police excesses. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) stated on its X (Twitter) account, “IPOA is monitoring police conduct in today's protests.”
The authority is already investigating several incidents of police brutality and alleged abductions. Since the protests began on June 18, 60 people have lost their lives.
8:30am - All Eyes at State House
Nairobi is on high alert as President William Ruto prepares to swear in 19 Cabinet Secretaries at State House. Among those to be sworn in is Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki, whose immediate task will be to handle the planned protests expected to draw millions into the streets.
8:15am - Plea to Call Off Protests
On Wednesday, ODM leaders in Nairobi, led by Makadara MP George Aladwa, have urged the youth to reconsider the planned anti-government protests.
“If the country is destroyed, we will all lose. Even those in leadership positions will not have anywhere to run to,” Aladwa cautioned, calling on the youth to give President Ruto time to address their concerns.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli assured that the police are prepared to maintain peace, urging demonstrators to adhere to the rule of law.
8:00am - US Criticises Ruto’s Handling of Protests
The United States has voiced criticism over the Kenya Kwanza government’s handling of protests. Uzra Zeya, US Department of State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, expressed concern over police brutality, stating it breaches Kenya’s Constitution.
During her visit, Zeya highlighted the importance of free expression, assembly, and press for democracy. “I condemned violence against peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, and journalists. Security forces must exercise restraint and prompt investigations into rights abuses,” Zeya stated.
