There’s power and value in the right to protest

A boda boda operator rides past a bonfire along the Kasarani-Mwiki road.

Last week, residents of Kasarani and Mwiki in Nairobi protested to express dissatisfaction with the state of their roads. The protests were violently dispersed by the police, resulting in one death and several injuries. That was a disproportionate use of force on the protesters. 

Nairobi Senator Johnston Sakaja later convened a meeting with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority and the Nairobi City County to deliberate on how to address the issues raised by Kasarani residents. In no time, Sh300 million was secured and released immediately for work on the road to commence.