Clashes Between Anti-Government Protesters and Pro-Government Group in Kenya’s Capital

Nairobi, Kenya – A tense standoff between anti-government protesters and a pro-government group in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, has escalated into violence, with a motorcycle belonging to pro-government supporters set ablaze.

The pro-government group took to the streets on motorcycles on Tuesday morning, ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration. In response, anti-government protesters lit bonfires along the highway leading to Kenya’s main airport, which was to be the site of Tuesday’s demonstrations. Airport officials asked travelers to arrive early due to extensive security checks and flight services continued as usual.

Elsewhere, police hurled tear gas canisters at protesters who had blocked a major road leading to the airport.

The anti-government protests, which have entered their fifth week, began as calls for legislators to vote against a finance bill that proposed new taxes. President William Ruto declined to sign the bill, which led to the dismissal of almost all his Cabinet ministers. However, protesters have continued demanding his resignation.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have died and 413 others have been injured in the protests since June 18.

Last week, police banned protests in Nairobi, citing a lack of clear leadership to coordinate with police to ensure safety and security. However, the court issued an order suspending the ban, stating that Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and police are given advance notice to provide security.

Police have been accused by activists and civil society groups of using violence against demonstrators. Former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigned on July 12, and Acting Police Head Douglas Kanja reiterated that the country’s main airport is a “protected area” and “out of bounds to unauthorized persons.”

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had earlier called for talks, denied allegations that he was bribed to join President Ruto in forming a broad-based government. Odinga expressed his support for the protesters, providing a list of demands that must be met by the government before dialogue.

The opposition is demanding that families of killed protesters be compensated and that charges against those arrested during protests be dropped.

As the situation remains tense, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the ongoing protests and demands for reform.