Audio By Carbonatix
A Kenyan court on Thursday suspended a police ban on protests in the capital, stating that citizens have a right to demonstrate peacefully.
Before the high court’s decision, police had barred protests in Nairobi indefinitely, saying they lacked leadership that would ensure peaceful demonstrations.
The suspension came before a planned protest, in which demonstrators were expected to march to the president’s office calling for his resignation over poor governance.
Acting police inspector general, Douglas Kanja, in a statement said the lack of leadership had “made it difficult to enforce safety protocols.”
Recent protests have left businesses counting losses after the lootings and burnings.
Protesters were yet to be spotted Thursday, but major roads leading to the president’s office remained barricaded by the police.
Kenya has seen a month of protests that started with calls for legislators to vote against a controversial finance bill that was proposing higher taxes amidst a cost-of-living crisis and ballooning public debt.
At least 50 people have died since the protests began on June 18, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
President William Ruto said he wouldn’t sign the finance bill that was passed by parliament on June 25 — the day protesters stormed and burnt part of the building, prompting legislators to flee. The president last week dismissed almost his entire Cabinet and the attorney general, as demanded by protesters who accused ministers of incompetence, corruption and display of opulence.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi on Thursday urged police to protect the right of Kenyans to demonstrate and encouraged the government to “continue taking steps forward” towards national unity and reconciliation.
Some businesses in Nairobi remained closed in anticipation of planned protests Thursday. Police remained heavily deployed around the central business district patrolling the streets.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Thursday said the economy had incurred loses worth 6 billion Kenyan shillings ($45million) because of ongoing monthlong protests.
Police have been accused of brutality against protesters. Japhet Koome, the former inspector general of police, resigned on July 12 after calls from demonstrators for him to take responsibility for the shooting of protesters.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority on Wednesday said it had forwarded four out of 10 cases of police brutality to the director of public prosecutions with recommendations.
The watchdog had recorded witness statements and directed that various police officers appear before it to give their testimony.
Kenyan police officers have in the past been accused of brutality and a contingent of 400 officers is currently in the Caribbean nation of Haiti leading a U.N.-backed police mission to combat gang violence.
Latest Stories
-
IERPP warns of slowing, fragile growth as Ghana records 5.5% GDP expansion in Q3 2025
8 minutes -
ECOWAS Council of Ministers endorse President Mahama’s candidacy for 2027 AU Chair role
41 minutes -
GTA to roll out shuttle buses to boost ‘December in GH’ festivities
1 hour -
Police restore calm after violent mob attack in Kwame Danso
1 hour -
Chinese delegation visits National Theatre ahead of rehabilitation
2 hours -
Police vow to hunt down perpetrators of Kwame Danso court, police station attack
2 hours -
Yoli Koomson to unveil ‘Daakye Holiday Collection’ at fashion show
2 hours -
Stop begging abroad while blowing millions on election reruns – Ntim Fordjour slams government’s priorities
2 hours -
Joseph Appiah launches ‘My 1s’t Creative Dyslexia Audiobook’ at University of Ghana
2 hours -
Today’s Front pages: Friday, December 12, 2025
2 hours -
ED3L releases OMOG3, a smooth Afrobeats tune with a romantic groove
3 hours -
Rev Daniel Annan says money, power and sex define men’s true masculinity
3 hours -
Dzifa Gomashie credits Maame Dokono and Nana Konadu for shaping her career
3 hours -
Mahama’s position on OSP repeal demonstrates genuine anti-corruption commitment – CDD
3 hours -
Publicis West Africa brings Cannes Lions insights to Africa with ‘Cannes in a Can’
4 hours
