Police seeking to quell anti-corruption protests in Kabarnet, Baringo County on Tuesday, August 25 were forced to give up after being confronted by protesters.
The demonstrators, protesting against alleged theft of Covid-19 billions at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), had notified local police of the protest but received no response.
Soon after the protests began in the morning, officers descended on the scene sending demonstrators scampering in all directions. They demanded to see approval they had received for the protest.
One brave demonstrator, however, went viral as he responded to the officers and informed them that they had given notice and did not require permission to protest as the right to picket was enshrined in the Constitution. He thanked the large group of officers for arriving to offer them security as they protested.
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As he continued engaging the police, more protesters gathered, waving placards as they demanded answers.
The man told the officers that they were not out to cause chaos but only wanted answers on the expenditure of public funds.
"We want the crooks to be arrested. We have come here to ask questions, you police officers are Kenyans like ourselves.
"I want to tell the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). As for the police here, we thank you for protecting us. Continue doing it until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic," he stated to loud cheers from fellow protesters.
The officers were forced to drive off, leaving the energetic demonstrators to continue with the protest.
An NTV exposé by journalist Dennis Okari sparked widespread public outrage over government corruption and sparked countrywide protests in several cities and towns.
In the past week, protests over the management of Covid-19 funds have been witnessed in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Kabarnet.
Police have clashed with demonstrators at the protests, with teargas fired and several arrests made.
Police Inspector-General Hillary Mutyambai attracted backlash from a section of Kenyans on Monday, August 24 when he stated that protests were banned during the Covid-19 period to ensure compliance with social distancing.
Many considered the directive a double standard given that political leaders and government officials have been spotted in large gatherings.
"Demonstrations are legal. However, under the current circumstances and with existing Ministry of Health (MoH) protocols on the management of Covid-19 (especially social & physical distancing), demonstrations are not allowed," Mutyambai had written.
