Azimio Protests: Palpable tension in the air intertwines with swirling teargas

Anti-riot police lob teargas to disperse activists engaging in peaceful protests to mark Saba Saba Day in Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Nairobi’s CBD on Friday awakened to tension, teargas and anti-government protests staged by Azimio la Umoja coalition supporters.

Street battles and riots were witnessed for the better part of the day as demonstrators protesting against the high cost of living and surging taxes engaged in running battles with the police who were deployed in their numbers.

Anti-riot police had a hard time controlling demonstrators who took part in the Saba Saba demonstrations.

Hundreds of police officers deployed to the city streets had to lob teargas canisters at the convoy of Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his supporters to stop them from accessing the CBD. 

On Thursday, a high-level security meeting chaired by Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei resolved that the Azimio leaders and their supporters would not be allowed to access CBD.

But Raila had asked his supporters to march to Central Park.

At around 4.30 pm, the convoy of vehicles ferrying the opposition leaders managed to break the police barriers into Kenyatta Avenue, where the police lobbed more teargas.

Businesses remained shut in fear of looters and damage to property as Kenyans essentially  gave the CBD a wide berth, as evidenced by the empty streets and smooth roads.

“We have gotten into the CBD and this is a huge achievement. I saw you (supporters) picking and returning the teargas canisters after they were lobbed,” said opposition leader Raila Odinga shortly after a two-hour-long procession from Kamukunji grounds.

In his celebratory remarks at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation centre (JOOF), he also noted: “They (Kenya Kwanza) should know that there is no turning back at this point. We will continue with the demonstrations until our demands are met.”

The entry into the CBD was significant given that this was the first time the protesters had managed to outwit the police and gain access to the CBD, which has remained cordoned off by the heavy contingent of police.

A spot check by The Standard showed the destruction of property- although minimal- as protestors who gained access to the CBD through Jogoo Road hurled stones at buildings shuttering windows.

Some motorists were caught up in the confrontation between the police and protesters in downtown Nairobi. “I feel like we are under attack from the police and protestors. Why can’t we be allowed to go about our business in peace?” asked Audrey Kanyi, a motorist.

“Every Kenyan should be able to enjoy their right to movement even if they do not wish to participate in the protests,” said Ahmed Mohammed, a trader along Luthuli avenue.

The agitation by protestors to get into the CBD was sparked by Raila’s call to his supporters to hold a second rally at City Park. The call came shortly after Raila penned the first signature on the collection rollout set to repeal the Finance Act of 2023.

Raila was adamant that the signatures would also signify their dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Kenya Kwanza government. The coalition is targeting 10 million signatures by the end of Friday next week.

"There are many ways to reach 'Rome'. When they block one road, we use another," Raila said.