In the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Thursday, the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations took center stage. The protests were marked by a significant presence of security personnel, with police officers from various units stationed throughout the area to prevent demonstrators from entering restricted zones.
A compelling scene unfolded when a group of young demonstrators encircled a police vehicle, with officers still inside. According to a video obtained by Mpasho, the youths initially chanted “Igwee,” raising their hands in a gesture of respect towards the officers. The chant then shifted to “we are peaceful,” as the youths maintained a calm demeanor while surrounding the vehicle. At the officers’ request, the crowd parted, allowing the police vehicle to reverse and leave the scene.
Despite these peaceful moments, there were instances where tensions escalated, leading the police to deploy teargas to disperse the crowds, resulting in sporadic confrontations.
Thursday’s protests were the second wave of demonstrations in Nairobi, expanding for the first time to other towns and cities across Kenya, including Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, and Kisii. Mombasa had its own protests on Wednesday, despite heavy rains.
The usually bustling streets of Nairobi saw a marked reduction in activity, with many shops remaining closed and few people venturing into the city center. Armored trucks filled with anti-riot officers were strategically positioned outside parliament buildings, while Parliament Road and City Hall Way were barricaded, cutting off access for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The demonstrations were driven by the Occupy Parliament movement, led by young Kenyans protesting against the proposed taxes in the Finance Bill 2024. In the days leading up to the demonstrations, youth activists took to social media, using the hashtag #OccupyParliament to mobilize support and encourage Kenyans to participate in the protests.
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