[PHOTOS] Chaos rock country as over 10 counties hold protests

Inspector General Japhet Koome outlawed the Azimio protest

In Summary

•Kenyans joined Azimio and took the demos to the street. 

• Raila unveiled a digital signature platform on Tuesday, July 11, aimed at collecting 15 million signatures to delegitimise the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Protesters scamper for safety after police lobbed tear gas at Kamukunji Grounds on July 12, 2023.
Protesters scamper for safety after police lobbed tear gas at Kamukunji Grounds on July 12, 2023.
Image: EZEKIEL AMINGA

Business activities, transport and learning were paralysed in some counties on Wednesday as anti-government protests gained momentum.

Roads and businesses remained deserted with shops closed.

So far protests have been witnessed in Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Kisumu, Nairobi , Nakuru, Machakos, Murang'a Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

Protesters wearing towels along Kisumu-Kakamega during demonstrations on July 12, 2023.
Protesters wearing towels along Kisumu-Kakamega during demonstrations on July 12, 2023.
Image: DANIEL OGENDO
Water cannon patrolling Kisii town streets on July 12, 2023
Water cannon patrolling Kisii town streets on July 12, 2023
Image: MAGATI OBEBO
Preparations ongoing at the Kamukunji grounds on July 12, 2023.
Preparations ongoing at the Kamukunji grounds on July 12, 2023.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A

In a clarion call to Kenyans, on Tuesday opposition chief Raila unveiled a digital signature platform aimed at collecting 15 million signatures to delegitimise the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kenyans trooping at Kamukunji grounds for the Azimio rally on July 12, 2023.
Kenyans trooping at Kamukunji grounds for the Azimio rally on July 12, 2023.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Water canon spotted moving to Kisumu State Lodge ahead of the protest on July 12, 2023.
Water canon spotted moving to Kisumu State Lodge ahead of the protest on July 12, 2023.
Image: DANIEL OGENDO

However, the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome outlawed the Azimio protest, claiming that the coalition did not notify the police of the planned protests. 

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua also warned Kenyans against taking part in the protests, vowing to protect lives and businesses. 

However, Kenyans joined Azimio and took the demos to the street.

Businesses closed along Oginga Odinga street in Kisumu on July 12, 2023.
Businesses closed along Oginga Odinga street in Kisumu on July 12, 2023.
Image: DANIEL OGENDO
Police keep watch in Mombasa ahead of demos on July 12, 2023.
Police keep watch in Mombasa ahead of demos on July 12, 2023.
Image: ONYANGO OCHIENG
Fires lit along the streets in Kisumu as demos begin on July 12, 2023.
Fires lit along the streets in Kisumu as demos begin on July 12, 2023.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Less activities along Oginga Odinga street in Kisumu ahead of demonstrations on July 12, 2023.
Less activities along Oginga Odinga street in Kisumu ahead of demonstrations on July 12, 2023.
Image: DANIEL OGENDO
Anti riot police clear rocks on the the Kisii-Kisumu road in Central Kisii town on July 12, 2023
Anti riot police clear rocks on the the Kisii-Kisumu road in Central Kisii town on July 12, 2023
Image: MAGATI OBEBO
Streets deserted, shops closed as Police keep watch in Mombasa ahead of demos on July 12, 2023.
Streets deserted, shops closed as Police keep watch in Mombasa ahead of demos on July 12, 2023.
Image: ONYANGO OCHIENG
Police on horses as Public Service Vehicles line up in CBD ahead of Azimio protests on July 12, 2023.
Police on horses as Public Service Vehicles line up in CBD ahead of Azimio protests on July 12, 2023.
Image: KEITH MUSEKE
Anti-government protesters with a coffin making their way to Kisumu CBD on July 12, 2023.
Anti-government protesters with a coffin making their way to Kisumu CBD on July 12, 2023.
Image: DANIEL OGENDO
Youths hold protests on July 12, 2023.
Youths hold protests on July 12, 2023.
Image: SCREENGRAB
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