Business operations in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) have closed as police clash with hundreds of protesters demanding justice for slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
In Mombasa, the situation is relatively calm, although protesters have started gathering, and some have been spotted making their way around the county's CBD.
Protesters in Nairobi, armed with placards and Kenyan flags, thronged the CBD with officers closely monitoring the procession following last week's chaotic scenes during similar demonstrations.
Tensions escalated when police lobbed teargas canisters at the crowd gathered along Kimathi Street near the Nation Media offices, where they had paused to hold prayers before proceeding.
The unexpected assault prompted demonstrators to scatter in various directions, with some regrouping and charging toward the Central Police Station, Nairobi, while chanting freedom songs in honour of Ojwang.
Businesses along Moi Avenue, Kimathi Street, and adjacent areas have either shut down or scaled back operations due to the heavy police presence and uncertainty.
Some of the commuters accessing CBD reported that most businesses remain on high alert as police continue to stroll the town centres.
At the same time, tension remained high on major highways leading into the city centre, including Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, and Jogoo Road, where security was tightened with heavy police deployment comprising anti-riot officers, regular police, and plainclothes officers.
Commuters and pedestrians have also been forced to take alternate routes as the situation remains fluid.
In Mombasa County, crowds began gathering in the city centre, waving placards bearing messages demanding justice for Ojwang. However, police maintained a watchful presence, choosing not to engage as the demonstrations remained peaceful.
However, some protesters on social media alleged that goons had started infiltrating the protests with the intention to wreak havoc on businesses and demonstrators.
Last Thursday, Nairobi County was left counting losses after the newly installed dustbins, which were barely a month old, were destroyed by angry protestors.
In videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, a number of the bins were removed from their original posts, with the protestors carrying them along the road as they dragged them along.
The bins were installed barely a month ago to help keep the city clean, as the county embarked on empowering a cleaner city.
