Kenya and South Africa protests: What we know so far

In South Africa, at least 87 people have been arrested in the ongoing demos

In Summary
  • As of 1 pm, several Azimio bigwigs were blocked from leaving their homes as the whereabouts of Raila remain unclear.
  • At least 24,300 tyres have been confiscated by law enforcement agencies in South Africa 
Everything is at stand still as Azimio La Umoja protesters storm Kisumu on Mach 20, 2023
Everything is at stand still as Azimio La Umoja protesters storm Kisumu on Mach 20, 2023
Image: DANIEL OGENDO

Some South Africans and Kenyans are currently on the streets engaging with the police in running battles. 

Teargas canisters were flying in the air as protestors braved the teary smoke.

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In Kenya, the protestors want the government to lower the cost of living, and prices of commodities, among others. 

ODM leader Raila Odinga also wants to lead protestors to State House, Nairobi to present his petition to President William Ruto. 

Raila wants Ruto to open the IEBC servers, which he alleges have the correct results of the August 9, Presidential election. 

So far, police have arrested a number of protesters defying the order not to engage in the demo.

Rowdy youths have been pelting police vehicles with stones with police responding by lobbing teargas canisters.

One person has reportedly been shot during protests, near Toi Market in the Kibra subcounty.

A trader was heard saying that the man is a mechanic, not a protester.

In Kisumu, businesses remained closed with minimal activity, as protestors burn tyres on the streets, and engaged police in running battles.

As of 1 pm, several Azimio bigwigs were blocked from leaving their homes as the whereabouts of Raila remain unclear.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo was also arrested during the protest. 

In South Africa, at least 87 people have so far been arrested following the ongoing protests. 

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said 41 of the 87 were arrested in Gauteng, 29 in North West, and 15 in Free State.

At least 24,300 tyres have been confiscated by law enforcement agencies.

"These were tyres that were strategically placed for acts of criminality – 6 000 were seized in the Western Cape, 4 500 in the Free State, 3600 in Gauteng, 1 513 in the Eastern Cape."

The Julius Malema-led outfit Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) is decrying social and economic challenges faced by South Africans, including crime, corruption, load shedding and unemployment amongst others.

They walked on the streets, holding hands and shouting their demands. 

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