In pictures: Anti-government protests enter sixth week

Youths in Migori lit bonfires and barricaded the Migori-Rongo highway with stones during Tuesday's anti-government protests. [Anne Atieno, Standard]

Anti-government protests have entered their sixth week, transforming towns across the nation into ghost towns.

Nairobi

In the capital, the usual hustle and bustle has disappeared as many choose safety over confrontation amid the tense atmosphere from previous protests.

By 10:00 a.m., despite no protest action yet, a heavy police presence was observed in the Central Business District (CBD). 

But by noon, the ghost town turned chaotic, with police lobbing teargas canisters at protesters. Large groups of boda boda riders were captured traversing through the CBD, with placards written: “Let’s give Ruto time.” 

Gen Z Protesters march along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during the Anti-government protest on July 23, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Gen Z Protesters march along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during the Anti-government protest on July 23, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

At 1:00 pm, Nairobi Police Boss Adamson Bungei was seen in the CBD with protesters chanting "We are peaceful", who sought an audience with him.

Nairobi Police Boss Adamson Bungei engages with protestors in Nairobi CBD along Moi Avenue as they chant "We are peaceful," seeking an audience with him.

Video by Okumu Modachi. pic.twitter.com/cSc4qq40yE — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) July 23, 2024

Along Outering Road, officers were forced to use water cannons to disperse protesters who blocked the Taj Mall roundabout.

A few kilometers away in Kitengela, tensions remain high. Several youths were arrested after a failed attempt to barricade the Nairobi- Namanga Road.

Anti-government protestors block the prison road in Kitengela Kajiado county. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Anti-government protestors block the prison road in Kitengela Kajiado county. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Migori

In Migori, police used teargas to disperse youths who had blocked the Migori-Rongo highway. Businesses in the town remain closed, and transport is paralysed.

Police lobby teargas canisters at youthful protestors as they protect the road at Migori main bridge that connects the Migori-Rongo highway from being burnt and barricaded. [Anne Atieno, Standard]

Nakuru Town

In Nakuru, the government has deployed officers near State Lodge and throughout the town's CBD. 

Kisii Town

Kisii town is similarly tense, with a heavy police presence reported.

Police officers patrol Kisii town ahead of Anti-government protests. Most businesses in the town remain closed. [Sammy Omingo, Standard

Protesters reprimand police officers for failing to arrest armed youths who were engaging them in Kisii town. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Protesters reprimand police officers for failing to arrest armed youths who were engaging them in Kisii town. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Journalists take cover from stones thrown at Kisii Capital roundabout as armed youths and protesters engaged.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Mombasa

In the Coast region, several people were injured after police used tear gas to disperse anti-government protestors along Moi Avenue in Mombasa.

This story is being updated…