Traffic on major roads leading to Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) is expected to face disruptions on Monday, January 6, as activists remain adamant about proceeding with their planned protests.
According to the activists, the increased cases of abductions and continued extrajudicial killings have made it difficult for them to stay silent on the matter, and the only alternative that they have is to go to the streets.
A spot-check by Kenyans.co.ke, has revealed that social media is rife with information about how the planned protests will go on, despite some reports that the police are likely to prevent the protests from going on.
We spoke to Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, who insisted that the demonstrations will go on as planned.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid at a press conference in December 2024. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
According to Khalid, Kenyans have a right to come out on Monday and demonstrate against the increased abduction instances. He added that the police should exercise restraint and let Kenyans demand an end to the atrocities.
”Article 37 of the Constitution is very clear, we are not requesting the police for a right to protest. We are demanding that police let Kenyans express their constitutional rights,” Khalid stated in a phone interview.
Among the roads that are set to be affected should the protests go on as planned include Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, Lang’ata, Ngong’, Kiambu, and Limuru roads in Nairobi.
However, the key details of how they intend to block the key roads have not been shared, including how they will deal with law enforcement agencies who will be on the watch to ensure that business goes on without disruption.
Nairobi Regional Police boss Adamson Bungei has however told Kenyans.co.ke in an interview that the police have not received any notice from the organisers of the protests, indicating that the police might not allow the planned protests.
When asked about any preparations the police have put in place to ensure that business goes on as usual, Bungei insisted that the police cannot react to anything that is not official.
”We cannot react to anything that is not official. Nothing is official so far. What we know is that those on social media are just keyboard warriors,” Bungei told Kenyans.co.ke.
National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango told Kenyans.co.ke that, if necessary, the service would issue a statement regarding the protests later in the day.
Mukuru Community Justice Centre, a lobby group that has been active within the courts on issues of human rights, is one of the activist groups that have made it clear that they will be joining the protests. The lobby shared on Sunday infographics of the planned roads that will be occupied by the protestors.
Ruben Kigame, a music minister and former presidential contestant, shared on Sunday that he will be going to the streets on Monday to stand in solidarity with the protestors.
”My name is Reuben Kagame, a defender of truth, justice, and human dignity. On Monday, I will stand with the abducted and their families to stop the Kenyan government from abducting citizens. So help me, God,” Kigame swore.
Kenyans on social media have been advocating for the release of six individuals who were reportedly abducted and illegally detained. They include Gideon Kibet, Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo.
Protestors gatherining in the Nairobi CBD on Monday, December 30 2024. PHOTO/ @CaptainOchenge