Kenyan police patrolled the streets of Nairobi on Thursday, ahead of planned anti-government protests. Roadblocks were set up and many shops were shut.
The nation’s acting police chief, Gilbert Masengeli, warned on Wednesday that “criminals” intended to infiltrate the demonstrations and said people should not trespass on “protected areas” such as the main international airport and State House.
In a post on X, Masengeli said, “Adequate security personnel” had been deployed, but advised the public to “take extra caution while in crowded areas that are likely to turn riotous”.
Masengeli also warned about “criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s Nane Nane demonstrations and commit further crimes”.
Organisers of the protests have accused “goons” of hijacking their plans for peaceful action and stoking violence. At least 60 people have been killed since the protests began.
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura on Wednesday urged young Kenyans to “avoid unchecked protests, which could lead to further economic hardships and hinder their chances of gaining employment”.
Mwaura also claimed the spread of misinformation had contributed to the protests, telling people to “ignore these calls to violence”.
President William Ruto has taken measures to address public anger, including scrapping tax hikes, revamping his cabinet, and making deep budget cuts. He is caught between international lenders’ demands to shore up government finances and ordinary Kenyans struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.
