Kenyan police have issued a ban on protests in Nairobi’s city centre and surrounding areas “until further notice,” citing concerns over their leaderless nature, which complicates ensuring safety.
The decision follows a month of anti-government protests that have resulted in numerous fatalities. Additional protests are scheduled for Thursday.
Nairobi city centre has been a focal point for youth-led demonstrations, which have also occurred nationwide.
Initially sparked by unpopular tax increases, the protests have since expanded to include calls for President William Ruto’s resignation, even after the taxes were rescinded.
Online calls have urged people to gather on Thursday at Uhuru Park in the city centre before proceeding to State House, the president’s official residence.
Late on Wednesday, police announced that “no demonstrations will be allowed in the Nairobi Central Business District and surrounding areas until further notice to safeguard public safety.”
The ban has stirred online criticism, with some arguing that police lack the authority, as Kenyan law guarantees citizens the right to protest.
Security measures have been intensified in the capital ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Acting police chief Douglas Kanja justified the decision, stating it was prompted by “credible intelligence indicating that organized criminal groups plan to exploit the ongoing protests.”
“Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct,” it said.
It added that its decision had also been informed by “the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations” that had “made it difficult to enforce safety protocols”.
Since the protests began, the president has caved in to some of the protester’s demands, including dropping the contentious finance bill and firing his entire cabinet.
The head of the police also resigned.
But people have been calling for more action against bad governance and corruption and for police to account for the deaths of dozens of demonstrators at recent rallies.
At least 50 protesters have been killed and 413 injured since the protests started on 18 June, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.