Anti-Riot Police Engage Nairobi Traders in Running Battle

Naivasha Road Protests
A photo collage of Naivasha Road Protests, where Kawangware traders on Friday, May 26, 2023, engaged police in running battles.
Photo
Ma3Route

Transport was on Friday, May 26, disrupted along Naivasha Road, Nairobi, after disgruntled traders engaged police officers in running battles.

Among adjacent roads affected were those leading to Riruta, Wanye and other parts of Kiambu County.

The Kawangware protesters were agitating against decisions by the Nairobi County administration to demolish their kiosks allegedly constructed on footpaths and feeder roads.

To register their disappointments, the protesters burnt tyres on the road and tore down President William Ruto's campaign posters.

Naivasha Road Protests
Kawangare traders on Friday, May 26, 2023, protested the demolition of their kiosks by County Askaris.
Photo
Ma3Route

In a self-organised demonstration, the traders left their homes and briefly gathered at Kawangware before matching towards Naivasha Road, Nairobi.

However, the traders' plan to reach Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) was thwarted after anti-riot police moved in to quell the violence. 

The police also cleared the bonfire the protesters had used to block motorists plying the busy Naivasha Road (Nairobi), serving many divergent routes.  

Officers deployed to man the protests urged the protesters to avoid chaos while exercising their right to demonstrate and picket as envisaged in Article 37 of the Constitution.

The police warned that the destruction of property will not be tolerated, and those breaking the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

At the same time, motorists were urged to use alternative routes since the chaotic scenes could easily spiral into the destruction of property.

According to Article 37 of the Constitution, the right to assemble can be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when the protest is likely to cause violence or disrupt public order.

The Public Order Act (2012) regulates the right to assemble in Kenya. The Act requires that anyone planning a public meeting or procession must notify the police at least three days in advance. The police can then decide whether or not to grant permission for the event and offer security.

Anti-riot Police
Anti-riot Police officers clear a road that had been blocked by protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Photo
Ma3Route
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