A defiant mob of protesters clashed with police in Nairobi’s Central
Business District on Wednesday afternoon, as demonstrations to honour those
killed in last year’s protests went on.
In scenes captured on video, young demonstrators, mostly dressed in black, chanted
slogans and stood their ground even as riot police moved in.
The group formed a tight crowd at one
of the key intersections near Parliament, pushing back against repeated attempts
by officers to disperse them.
“They want us to fear, but we are not afraid,”
shouted one protester, waving a placard that read “Ruto Must Go!” as others banged on road signs and chanted “Reject Finance Bill!”
As the crowd surged forward, visibly agitated
officers called for reinforcements.
Moments later, additional anti-riot police
arrived, some in armoured trucks, while others were seen firing tear gas
canisters and attempting to break through the human barrier.
Despite the intensifying crackdown, the demonstrators
showed remarkable cohesion.
“We are not here for violence,” said another protester.
“We are here for our future.”
The protests, which began earlier this month,
have grown into a nationwide movement led primarily by Gen Z activists who have
organised online and mobilised in cities across Kenya.
By midday, the Nairobi protest had drawn
hundreds of participants and triggered gridlock in several parts of the city.
Business owners near Parliament closed shop, while medics and volunteer
groups set up stations to treat those affected by tear gas.
“We
will not be silenced,” a young woman shouted as police regrouped and
helicopters hovered overhead.
“This is our country. We are taking it back.”
