Protests have begun in counties across Kenya to commemorate the victims of last year’s protests.
The protests are being held across the country with heavy police presence.
Police are using teargas to disperse the protesters and have barricaded major roads leading to different towns.
However, police and protestors in Nairobi shared a brief friendly interaction during the protests.
The protestors were singing and dancing to tunes when they crossed paths with police at Muindi Mbingu Street in Nairobi.
They surrounded the police officers who seemed not to mind them. They later had a brief interaction.
The police were seen greeting some protestors as they continued to chant anti-government songs, saying they will still fight for justice.
Some protestors were heard saying “Usituue,” (Don’t kill us).
There is heavy police presence across towns that are holding protests to keep law and order.
This comes at a time when the police service is facing backlash from Kenyans for using force against protestors.
On Tuesday, police warned protestors to refrain from accessing protected areas during the Wednesday protests.
Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja said that Kenyans have a right to picket but should do that in public areas.
IG Kanja said police will at all times prevent any breach of peace by any group or groups of persons acting unlawfully.
“Any contrary conduct constitutes an unlawful and riotous assembly. The National Police Service shall at all times lawfully and firmly prevent any breach of peace by any group or groups of persons, acting contrary to the provisions of the law. Additionally, it is important to note that unauthorised persons must refrain from accessing protected areas under the Protected Areas Act (Cap 204, Laws of Kenya),” he said.
Some of the counties where protests are currently taking place include Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisii, Kitengela town in Machakos, Nyeri and Eldoret.
In Nairobi, protestors gathered as early as 7 am, despite police barricading major roads leading to the CBB.
Most businesses remained closed in the city as many premises feared the wrath of the protesters.
In Mombasa, residents took to the streets to commemorate the victims of the 2024 anti-finance Bill protests.
