In anticipation of significant Saba Saba demonstrations, central Nairobi has been heavily fortified by security forces, creating a tense and deserted atmosphere in the city.
Nairobi Locked Down as Kenyans Prepare for Nationwide Protest
Nairobi Locked Down as Kenyans Prepare for Nationwide Protest
Kenya's capital faces restrictions ahead of Saba Saba protests highlighting demands for democracy.
The article text:
In a decisive move ahead of national protests, Kenyan security forces have effectively sealed off central Nairobi, limiting access to major roads and significantly reducing traffic in the area. As businesses close and a substantial security presence fills the streets, residents find themselves unable to move freely. Schools have advised students to remain at home as an added precaution.
Checkpoints have been established at pivotal locations, stranding hundreds of early-morning commuters and overnight travellers who attempted to enter the city, with only a few vehicles permitted access. Critical areas within Nairobi, particularly roads leading to significant government institutions like State House and the parliament, have been fortified with razor wire.
In an official statement released on Sunday evening, police asserted their constitutional duty to safeguard lives and properties while ensuring public order is upheld. Scheduled for Monday, the protests – known as Saba Saba, translating to 7 July – pay homage to the struggle for multiparty democracy that took place in the early 1990s in Kenya.
The demonstrations are primarily spearheaded by the youth, who are championing causes like good governance, increased accountability, and justice for those victimized by police violence. These protests mark the continuation of unrest that began last year, fueled by mounting grievances against the government.
The protests’ potential for disruption was starkly highlighted by an incident on June 25, where 19 lives were lost and countless businesses suffered looting and vandalism during a nationwide outcry against oppressive taxation.
Recent protests have been marred by violence and chaos, with instances of "goons" reportedly infiltrating peaceful assemblies to incite fear, looting, and attacking demonstrators. Civil society organizations have raised concerns about the alleged collusion between these groups and law enforcement, a claim that police officials have vehemently denied.
Amid these tensions, a violent incident occurred on Sunday when an armed gang targeted the headquarters of a human rights NGO in Nairobi, during a press conference organized to call for an end to state violence before the anticipated protests.
The date of the protests is historically significant, marking the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba protests that were pivotal in Kenya's shift from one-party rule to multiparty democracy. The government's response at the time was characterized by brutality, leading to the arrest and torture of many peaceful protesters, including now-prominent political figures.
As Kenya prepares for its Saba Saba demonstration, both history and current sociopolitical dynamics cast a long shadow over the events that could unfold.
In a decisive move ahead of national protests, Kenyan security forces have effectively sealed off central Nairobi, limiting access to major roads and significantly reducing traffic in the area. As businesses close and a substantial security presence fills the streets, residents find themselves unable to move freely. Schools have advised students to remain at home as an added precaution.
Checkpoints have been established at pivotal locations, stranding hundreds of early-morning commuters and overnight travellers who attempted to enter the city, with only a few vehicles permitted access. Critical areas within Nairobi, particularly roads leading to significant government institutions like State House and the parliament, have been fortified with razor wire.
In an official statement released on Sunday evening, police asserted their constitutional duty to safeguard lives and properties while ensuring public order is upheld. Scheduled for Monday, the protests – known as Saba Saba, translating to 7 July – pay homage to the struggle for multiparty democracy that took place in the early 1990s in Kenya.
The demonstrations are primarily spearheaded by the youth, who are championing causes like good governance, increased accountability, and justice for those victimized by police violence. These protests mark the continuation of unrest that began last year, fueled by mounting grievances against the government.
The protests’ potential for disruption was starkly highlighted by an incident on June 25, where 19 lives were lost and countless businesses suffered looting and vandalism during a nationwide outcry against oppressive taxation.
Recent protests have been marred by violence and chaos, with instances of "goons" reportedly infiltrating peaceful assemblies to incite fear, looting, and attacking demonstrators. Civil society organizations have raised concerns about the alleged collusion between these groups and law enforcement, a claim that police officials have vehemently denied.
Amid these tensions, a violent incident occurred on Sunday when an armed gang targeted the headquarters of a human rights NGO in Nairobi, during a press conference organized to call for an end to state violence before the anticipated protests.
The date of the protests is historically significant, marking the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba protests that were pivotal in Kenya's shift from one-party rule to multiparty democracy. The government's response at the time was characterized by brutality, leading to the arrest and torture of many peaceful protesters, including now-prominent political figures.
As Kenya prepares for its Saba Saba demonstration, both history and current sociopolitical dynamics cast a long shadow over the events that could unfold.
