A Kenyan court has halted a police ban on protests in Nairobi and nearby areas “until further notice.”
The police had issued the ban on Wednesday, citing the leaderless nature of the protests, which they claimed made it challenging to ensure safety, and noting that the protests had been “infiltrated by criminals.”
This decision followed a month of anti-government protests during which many people were killed.
Although additional protests were planned for Thursday in Nairobi, they did not materialize.
The city’s center has been the focal point of youth-led demonstrations, which have also occurred nationwide.
Initially sparked by unpopular tax increases that were subsequently withdrawn, the protests have since expanded to include demands for President William Ruto to resign.
Online posters had urged people to gather at Uhuru Park in the city center and march to State House, the president’s official residence.
However, some activists who previously mobilized protests distanced themselves from this call. Police stated, “no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.”
The high court later temporarily suspended this order pending the hearing of a suit filed by a civil rights organization.
The ban has ignited online outrage, with many arguing that the police lack the authority to impose such a ban, as Kenyan law grants citizens the right to hold demonstrations.
Anticipating protests, there was a significant police presence in the capital. However, as the protests did not gain momentum, businesses cautiously opened later in the day.
Acting head of police Douglas Kanja explained the decision was based on “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests.”
He added, “Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct.”
The lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations had also “made it difficult to enforce safety protocols.”
Since the protests began, the president has conceded to some demands, including dropping the controversial finance bill and dismissing his entire cabinet.
The head of the police also resigned. However, calls for more action against bad governance and corruption continue, along with demands for police accountability for the deaths of dozens of demonstrators at recent rallies.
According to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 protesters have been killed and 413 injured since the protests started on June 18.
Source-BBC
