How To Stay Safe Before And During Protests In Kenya

By the time you're reading this, it will be one year since the anti-government demonstrations on June 25, 2024 which erupted over the contentious Finance Bill 2024 and which led to, among others, the storming and burning down of Parliament.

Despite the government firmly rejecting the possibility of allowing any street protests, there has been growing online mobilization by young Kenyans planning peaceful marches to honor Gen Z protesters who died during last year’s anti-government demonstrations, hence the march planned for Wednesday, June 25.

As civic unrest continues to grow across the country, protesting has become an increasingly common way for Kenyans—especially younger generations—to express dissatisfaction and demand accountability from the government. From opposition to controversial tax bills to calls for action against police brutality and economic injustices, the streets are now a powerful platform for public expression.

However, while protests are a constitutionally protected right in Kenya, they are not always safe. Demonstrations often attract heavy police presence, carry the risk of arrests, and can sometimes spiral into violence, as has been the case with previous protests. With that in mind, knowing how to stay safe before, during, and after a protest is essential.

Understanding Your Rights

Every Kenyan has the right to peacefully assemble and demonstrate under Article 37 of the Constitution. "Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities," the section reads.

But in practice, exercising this right often comes with challenges. Police have frequently responded to protests with brute force, even when demonstrations are nonviolent. Cases of unlawful arrests, assaults, and tear gas deployments are not uncommon. 

That’s why it is vital to not only know your rights but also understand how to assert them safely. Being informed gives you the confidence to participate and the clarity to act within legal boundaries, even when the situation around you is tense.

Before the Protest: Plan, Prepare, and Stay Informed

Preparation is critical. Start by gathering all available information about the protest. Know when and where it is taking place, what the expected route is, and whether the organizers have communicated with the authorities. Identifying exit points, nearby hospitals, public parks, or open spaces can help you stay oriented in case of chaos.

Equally important is how you dress. Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing that doesn’t draw unnecessary attention or associate you with political groups. Avoid flashy items or open footwear. A cap, hoodie, or face mask can offer some anonymity, which can be useful both for protection against surveillance and tear gas.

Packing smart can also improve your safety. Bring water, as you will need to stay hydrated and may need to rinse your eyes if tear gas is used. Carry light snacks to keep your energy up and make sure your phone is fully charged or supported by a power bank.

A woman using her phone during protests in Nairobi CBD. /OKAY AFRICA

A small first aid kit can be helpful in emergencies, and writing emergency contact numbers on paper is useful if your phone dies or is taken.

Always carry a photocopy of your ID, not the original, and avoid bringing anything that could be mistaken for a weapon. Anything you carry should be easy to explain if you’re stopped by authorities.

Digital Safety: Don’t Get Tracked

In today’s age, digital security is just as important as physical safety. Kenyan authorities have ramped up surveillance during major demonstrations, from facial recognition cameras in cities to monitoring WhatsApp and Telegram groups, with protesters increasingly being tracked before, during, and after protests.

Before heading out, secure your phone by removing any sensitive content and disabling fingerprint or facial ID. Use a strong PIN code instead. Turn off location services and delete any messages or media that could be misinterpreted. If you can, leave your personal phone at home and use a second, low-cost phone (mulika) with only essential contacts and apps.

Avoid posting protest plans online or sharing images that reveal faces and identities. Encrypted messaging apps are better alternatives to mainstream platforms.

Once you’re at the protest, keep your phone use minimal and discreet. Remember that anything shared or posted publicly may be used as evidence by law enforcement. Digital safety is not just about protecting yourself, but also about protecting others who may appear in your media or be linked to your communications.

During the Protest: Move Smart, Stay Calm

When the protest begins, the key is to stay alert, move strategically, and remain calm even under pressure.

Always stick with a group or friends as being alone increases your risk in high-tension situations. Designate a meet-up location in case you’re separated. Avoid splinter groups or sections of the crowd that seem aggressive or confrontational as these groups are often the first to attract police attention.

Stay alert to your surroundings. Monitor police behavior and crowd energy. If officers start forming lines, wearing gas masks, or preparing tear gas canisters, it’s usually a sign that the situation could escalate. Begin moving away early instead of waiting until panic breaks out.

If tear gas is fired, try not to panic. Do not rub your eyes. Move in the opposite direction of the wind, use clean water to rinse your eyes, and breathe through a cloth if possible. It’s crucial to stay in open spaces and avoid being trapped in alleys or enclosed areas where stampedes or arrests are more likely.

What Happens If You Are Arrested

Despite staying peaceful, some protesters still face arrest. If this happens, do not resist physically or verbally, as it could escalate the situation.

Ask what charges are being brought against you, and calmly assert your right to contact a lawyer. Do not sign any documents or give any statements without legal counsel present.

If you’ve memorized an emergency number or written one down, now is the time to use it. Organizations like the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Amnesty International Kenya often provide rapid legal support during protests. You can also reach out to trusted lawyers in your network.

If you’re a witness to someone being arrested, try to document the event safely. Details like the officer’s badge number, the arresting vehicle’s license plate, or even a timestamp could be crucial later on.

After the Protest: Reflect and Regroup

Once the protest ends, your responsibilities haven’t. First, confirm that everyone in your group made it home safely.

Reconnect and debrief—talk through what happened and how you all felt. Protests can be emotionally taxing, so don't ignore the mental toll. If you feel shaken, talk to someone. Activist fatigue and trauma are real and should be treated seriously. There are growing mental health support options in Kenya tailored for young people and activists.

If you plan to post photos or videos online, be careful. Blur out faces and avoid posting identifying features like clothing, tattoos, or street signs. Even well-intentioned content can be used to target others.

Continue supporting the cause by attending follow-up meetings, signing petitions, or joining civil society forums.

If you experienced or witnessed any form of abuse, consider filing a complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) or the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Your documentation and testimony may help prevent future abuses.

WRAPPING UP: Protest Smart, Not Just Loud

Protests in Kenya have become a symbol of growing civic awareness, especially among the youth. Gen Z and Millennial-led movements are challenging the status quo in ways not seen before in Kenya's history.

But in pushing for change, staying safe must be a top priority. Knowing your rights, preparing properly, staying vigilant, and looking after each other are not just smart moves—they are essential survival tactics.

In the long fight for a more just and transparent Kenya, protest remains one of the most powerful tools citizens have. But to keep showing up, you need to stay alive, stay informed, and stay ready. Protesting smart is how movements last—and how real change is achieved.