Nairobi police used tear gas on Tuesday to disperse a handful of anti-corruption demonstrators at Uhuru Park's Freedom Corner.
The protesters numbered about 50.
They had wanted to leave the park and march to the CBD, Parliament, Harambee House and Parliament.
They carried a red banner saying 'The Face of Corruption' and bearing the faces of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
Demonstrators had planned to begin their walk at 10am but nothing had happened an hour later.
Called Beyond Zero Corruption, the protest was broken up before it started as police told them not to venture into the city.
The police confined them within the park and teargassed them as they attempted to march to the Central Business District.
Asked why tear gas was used on a small number of people, Nairobi police commander Philip Ndolo told the Star, "Moving out to demonstrate along roads, stop traffic and inconvenience others couldn't be allowed. They should not infringe other people's rights while enjoying theirs."
Ndolo said their protest notification had indicated they would meet and demonstrate in Freedom Corner.
The activists said they were part of the Red Movement and had planned to present petitions.
Central police station OCS Richard Kerich had earlier approached the protesters and warned them against walking to town.
“Just conduct your affairs here. There is no marching outside,” Kerich told the chanting activists.
“This is a free country... We are not asking for permission. It is our right to demonstrate... We are going!" they chanted.
The protest had been widely publicised online, urging Kenyans who were tired of corruption to show up and demand action.
Only a handful showed up.
They wanted to present a petition to officials of the Office of the President, recommending how to reduce graft.
One of the organisers, Muthiora Kariara, urged President Kenyatta to suspend any official implicated in a scandal, as they wait for the Judiciary to establish guilt or innocence.
“Action has to be taken, that is the only way Kenya can win against corruption,” he said. “We are going to have more and more activities going forward until action is taken.
He said that so far there has been talk without action. "We are just getting started."
Even after they were dispersed, the protestors pledged to hold weekly demonstrations to demand more action against corrupt government officers.
“No one can stop us, not even police,” Francis Ouma said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
