Nairobi Protests Banned Amid Rising Tensions

Kenya's police have issued a ban on demonstrations in the heart of Nairobi, the nation's capital, following weeks of anti-government protests that authorities say have been infiltrated by organized criminal gangs. The protests, which erupted a month ago over proposed tax hikes, have led to the deaths of at least 50 people and continued despite President William Ruto's withdrawal of the legislation and dismissal of nearly his entire cabinet.

Activists are demanding President Ruto's resignation and are calling for systemic changes to address corruption and poor governance. Chief of Police, Douglas Kanja Kiricho, stated that credible intelligence has revealed plans by criminal groups to exploit the ongoing protests to carry out attacks, including looting.

To ensure public safety, no demonstrations will be allowed in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surrounding areas until further notice. Although organized online without apparent support from opposition political figures, the protests have posed the greatest challenge to Ruto's two-year tenure. The initially peaceful rallies have turned violent, culminating in an attempt to storm the parliament on June 25, prompting police to open fire.

President Ruto's office had scheduled 'multi-sectoral' talks to address the protestors' concerns this week but, by Thursday, these had not commenced. Leading protest figures have rejected the invitation, instead calling for immediate actions on issues such as corruption. In response to the protest ban, activist Boniface Mwangi stated on social media platform X that the police and the President lack the authority to suspend constitutionally guaranteed rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)