Kenyan Police Ban Protests In Capital

Kenyan police have banned protests in the centre of the capital Nairobi and surrounding areas “until further notice”, saying they lack leaders and are struggling to maintain security.

It comes after a month of anti-government protests that have left dozens of people dead, with more protests planned for Thursday.

Nairobi’s city centre is at the heart of youth-led protests, which are also taking place elsewhere in the country.

The protests started against unpopular tax hikes, but spread after they were withdrawn, including demands that President William Ruto step down.

Online posters are calling on people to gather at Uhuru Park in the city centre on Thursday before heading to State House, the president’s official residence.

On Wednesday evening, police said that “no demonstrations are allowed in the Nairobi Central Business District and its environs until further notice to ensure public safety”.

The ban has sparked outrage online, with some arguing that the police do not have such powers, as Kenyan law gives citizens the right to protest.

There is already a large police presence in the capital in preparation for the protests.

Acting police chief Douglas Kanja said in a statement that the decision was made after receiving “credible information that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests.”

“Criminals continue to infiltrate protesting groups, resulting in a disturbing trend of disorderly and destructive behavior,” the report said.

It added that its decision was also prompted by “the lack of designated leadership at previous demonstrations”, which “made it difficult to enforce safety protocols”.

Since the protests began, the president has met a number of protesters’ demands, including scrapping the controversial finance law and firing his entire cabinet.

The chief of police also resigned.

However, people are calling for more action against bad governance and corruption and for addressing the killing of dozens of protesters at recent rallies by police.

At least 50 demonstrators have been killed and 413 injured since the protests began on June 18, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.