Kenyan police have prohibited citizens from public demonstrations in the central business district of the capital, Nairobi until further notice following weeks of anti-government protests which they said have been infiltrated by organized criminal gangs.
No less than 50 people lost their lives in the protests organized by the youths against proposed tax hikes that broke out across the country a month ago and have continued despite steps taken by the Kenyan President William Ruto which include withdrawal of the Finance Bill and the sacking of almost all of his cabinet.
Activists are demanding the resignation of the president and calling for systemic changes to clean up corruption and address poor governance.
“We have credible intelligence that organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting,” Douglas Kanja Kiricho, the chief of police, said in a statement released late on Wednesday.
“No demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.”
The protests have brought about the biggest crisis of William Ruto’s two-year reign as president, even without the support of opposition political figures.
The rallies started peacefully at the beginning but later became violent. Some demonstrators briefly stormed the complex housing the parliament on June 25, setting ablaze part of it, prompting the police to open fire.
The plan by Ruto’s office to organize “multi-sectoral” talks this week to address the grievances of the protesters is yet to materialize. Most of the leaders behind the protests have rejected the invitation, insisting that issues of corruption in government be tackled.
Some activists reportedly shared calls for people to gather with camping gear at Uhuru Park, a recreational area adjacent to Nairobi city centre,
Heavy police presence was observed in the city on Thursday morning, according to a Reuters reporter.
Source: Reuters 
