Several people were arrested on the morning of Monday, December 30, as they engaged in anti-abduction protests in Mombasa.
With protests kicking off in several parts of the country after an online campaign against the government, anti-riot police were on standby to quell any possible arrest from demonstrators.
In Mombasa, police seemingly had zero tolerance for any form of mass action, and were quick to dispel the protestors as soon as they gathered in the city centre.
Videos accessed by Kenyans.co.ke showed anti-riot officers briefly engaging with tens of residents, who were chanting anti-government slogans. At some point, however, things took a sudden turn when officers bundled two of the most vocal protestors into their vehicles.
CBD Protestors on Monday, December 30, 2024. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
The reason for the arrest is yet to be determined, although one officer can be heard saying the protestors were arrested for alleged ‘obstruction’.
A separate video from Mombasa showed another police officer cautioning protestors against their demonstrations, urging them to ‘move to Nairobi’ if they wanted to picket.
Nairobi Protests Gain Momentum
In Nairobi, tens of Kenyans gathered in various parts of the CBD, armed with placards bearing messages slamming the Kenya Kwanza government.
Similar to Mombasa, anti-riot officers were on deck in case of potential mayhem, with water cannons being detected around the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
Several major roads going into the Nairobi CBD were barricaded by police, who were also seen frisking Public Service Vehicles in a bid to determine whether the vehicles were ferrying protestors into the city.
By midday on Monday, matatus were barred from entering the CBD, as officers closed off Kenyatta Avenue from entry of any public service vehicles.
One notable personality spotted among the youth in Nairobi is Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who has emerged as a fierce critic of the government in recent weeks.
Follow live proceedings of the protests via the Kenyans.co.ke Live Blog.
Protestors gatherining in the Nairobi CBD on Monday, December 30 2024. PHOTO/ @CaptainOchenge