Azimio la Umoja, resumed protests on Tuesday, May 2, with supporters and police engaged in a running battle across the country.
Opposition leaders, led by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, are yet to surface to lead the protests, despite announcing that they would hit the road running at 6 am.
Kenyans.co.ke updated on a minute-by-minute basis. Keep refreshing this page for updates.
6:00 pm: Police fire live bullets in the air while dispersing protesters in Mathare, Nairobi county. Residents scampered for safety as anti-riot police lobbed teargas to disperse the protesters.
Women and children were forced to watch the riot from the discomfort of their houses to which tear gas canisters were heavily lobbed.
A photo collage of Anti-riot police officers who arrested an alleged protester in Mathare on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Photo
Azimio TV
4:30 pm: Azimio la Umoja promises another round of nationwide mass action on Thursday, May 4, 2023, after the coalition leaders failed to turn up for the protest in Nairobi.
In a statement that was read by Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, Azimio la Umoja noted that the protests will be based on the same petition that the Opposition had against the government.
“We are marching on. Tomorrow we take a break and recharge. Our protest shall resume on Thursday, May 4. Same Petition,” Karua declared.
The former Deputy Presidential Candidate also claimed that the government had ordered the immediate withdrawal of security details of Raila Odinga and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Last night Azimio Leaders including Our Leader and Kalonzo Musyoka had their Security Withdrawn. This is significant because two offices are guaranteed security,” Karua stated.
NARC Kenya Leader Martha (Centre) reads statement on behalf of Azimio la Umoja coalition on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Photo
Raila Odinga
4:00 pm: Mathare residents engage police officers in running battles as Azimio la Umoja leadership condemns violence.
3:20 pm: Azimio leaders are holed up in a meeting at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
3:00 pm: Azimio la Umoja announced a successful procession after spending more than two hours on the road, during which there was general calmness.
"We have had a peaceful procession from Kawangware-Kangemi-Waruku-Westlands-Parklands-Muthaiga-Kiambu Rd with a full escort of the police in 15 land-cruisers.
"Nobody was robbed. No mama mboga was harassed. Everyone was cheering on and saying how tired they are with the regime," Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party wrote on Twitter.
1:50 pm: A contingent of anti-riot police officers trail Raila Odinga's convey as he moves around Nairobi City.
1:00 pm: Raila Odinga leads Azimio la Umoja leaders and supporters in anti-government protests in Nairobi.
12:40 pm: A trailer set ablaze on Southern Bypass. The trailer was heading to Uganda when angry youth stopped and burnt it to the ground.
Driver of the trailer explained that the violent youth blocked the road and began searching for things to steal. They later resolved to burn down the trailer.
"The protesters were looking for food but I had none, and that is why they decided to burn the trailer," Jibril Abduba, driver of the trailer explained.
A trailer burnt along Southern Bypass on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Photo
Ma3Route
12:00 pm: Azimio la Umoja MPs make their way to the Office of the President at Harambee House to deliver a petition.
"My 50 colleagues and I have been teargassed outside the Office of the President as we marched peacefully to deliver the People’s Petition.
"Gachagua told us we know where to find them. We do. We went there and instead met Police," Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna alleged.
Azimio MPs teargassed outside Harambee House while trying to hand a petition to the Office of the President on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Photo
Azimio la Umoja
11:40 am: Protesters in Kisumu barricade and light bonfires on the roads leading to Kondele and Kibuye Estates.
11:39 am: Raila Odinga is yet to surface and lead the mass protests.
11:29 am: A gang of more than 20 men disguised as protesters accused of robbing a petrol station along Juja Road.
11:00 am: Protesters in Kibra light up bonfires as anti-riot police officers repulse the demonstrators.
10:50 am: Police in Kisumu rescue a man who was attacked by protesters for attempting to loot a shop during Azimio la Umoja protests. The protesters warned that looting will not be tolerated during anti-government demonstrations.
A passenger bus service burnt during an encounter between anti-riot police officers and protesters on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Photo
Ghetto Radio
10:00 am: Suspected goons burn a passenger service bus after anti-riot police officers countered protesters along Ngong Road, Nairobi.
9:40 am: Anti-riot police officers repulse protesters along Ngong Road. The demonstrators had reportedly blocked the road leading to Ngong Town.
9:20 am: Most businesses remain closed in Nairobi CBD before the planned Azimio protests. While addressing his supporters on Monday, May 1, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga warned protesters against raiding businesses.
8:50 am: Protesters barricade and lit bonfires on a number of roads around Kisumu City. Police officers mobilised to clear the roads.
8:30 am: Demonstrations reported around Imara Daima Estate, off Mombasa Road. The protests led to serious traffic snarl-ups around the GM stage.
8:00 am: A contingent of police officers mount roadblocks around the State House, Nairobi. The officers also carried out inspections of the vehicles which were using the roads.
7:50 am: Anti-riot police officers deployed strategically in Nairobi CBD ahead of Raila-led Azimio protests to petition key institutions.
7:30 am: Nairobi Central Business District enjoys a rare calmness during morning hours. Fewer police officers are seen walking around as businesses open.
On Monday, May 1, Raila announced that anti-government demonstrations would begin as early as 6 am in various parts of Kenya, with the epicentre being Nairobi City.
"Our demonstrators tomorrow have been informed that demos will be peaceful. No one is allowed to carry any weapon. Nobody should try to interfere with anybody's private business. We are demonstrating to present our petitions to respective authorities," Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, stated.
The anti-government demonstrations often start in the afternoon after careful calculation of routes and evading police barricades by the Azimio la Umoja outfit.
While addressing workers during Labour Day, President William Ruto promised to neutralise protests to protect property and lives.
At the same time, the National Police Service declared the planned demonstration illegal, noting that anyone caught in the demonstrations will face the full force of the law.
