LIVE BLOG: KDF In Nairobi CBD As 'Mother Of All Protests' Begin

Tensions in the capital remain high as uncertainty looms over potential protests. Meanwhile, Migori and Mombasa have already seen demonstrations erupt.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Jun 27, 2024 - 13:40 Updated: Jun 27, 2024 - 20:44
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LIVE BLOG: KDF In Nairobi CBD As 'Mother Of All Protests' Begin
KDF officers on patrol in Nairobi CBD. /LARRY MADOWO

As the so-called mother of all demonstrations intensify on Thursday, June 27, according to the organisers online, a heavy contingent of police officers and those from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been deployed across the city.

A court ruling is expected today on the legality of the deployment of KDF soldiers after the move by Members of Parliament (MP) to allow the deployment of the military was challenged in court by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

Still, the strong security presence is in anticipation of the protests, which have also kicked off in Kisumu, Mombasa, Migori, Mombasa, and Homa Bay against the Finance Bill 2024.

Tensions in the capital remain high as uncertainty looms over potential protests. Meanwhile, Migori and Mombasa have already seen demonstrations erupt.

Watch live courtesy of Citizen TV:

Organisers have mobilised for 'The One Million People March', scheduled for Thursday, June 27, calling for a march towards State House Nairobi. A viral poster circulating online rallies Gen-X, Millennials, Gen-Z, and all citizens to join the cause.

Keep refreshing this page as Viral Tea provides you with the latest updates, reactions and analysis of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests:

7:15pm - Two Confirmed Dead in Ong'ata Rongai

Two individuals were reportedly killed during protests in Ongata Rongai. The unrest saw protesters looting two supermarkets and clashing with police.

Bonfires, stone-throwing, and looting of motorists were also reported on Old Airport Road, Nairobi. The tension in Rongai remains high, with significant disruptions to transport and businesses.

7.00 pm: Protests Traffic Update

Roads Currently Blocked as of 1825HRS

  1. Magadi Road: Blocked at Ongata Rongai  - Blocked by protestors
  2. Outering Road: Intermittent blockages between Fedha Estate and its junction with North Airport Road - Blocked by protestors
  3. North Airport Road: Running battles between police and protesters - Blocked by protestors
  4. Waiyaki Way: Blocked at Nairobi School area - Blocked by protestors
  5. Landhies Road: Blocked at Muthurwa - Blocked by police to deny protestors access to the CBD
  6. General Waruinge Road: Blocked at Kariokor - Blocked by police to deny protestors access to the CBD - Blocked by police to deny protestors access to the CBD
  7. Kipande Road: Blocked in Ngara Area (Police are preventing access to the CBD - Blocked by police to deny protestors access to the CBD

6:30 pm: Ongata Rongai Residents Report Shooting Still Ongoing

Videos circulating online show that anti-government protests in Ongata Rongai have turned deadly, with police reportedly opening fire on demonstrators.

According to residents sharing their experiences online, police, who are said to be using live bullets are still shooting at the protestors. Residents have raised alarms on social media, urgently calling for intervention from Police IG Japhet Koome and IPOA.

One particularly harrowing video shows residents desperately rushing a child, allegedly shot by the police near Cleanshelf Supermarket, to the hospital.

Earlier, around 5:00 PM, footage showed protestors overrunning police officers.

The protests had intensified in the afternoon, with disturbing images of demonstrators beating three individuals accused of theft who had infiltrated the protests.

6.16 pm: Public Toilet Engulfed In Flames

Fire has broken out at a public toilet in Nairobi CBD during the anti-government protests intended to push President William Ruto out of office.

Photos and a video seen by Viral Tea showed a huge flame bursting out of the public toilet as protesters kept throwing objects into it in a bid to put it out.

4.44 pm: Police Teargas Nation Centre

Teargas was lobbed at the reception area of the Nation Centre in Nairobi CBD, dispersing its occupants who were forced to take cover behind the entrance.

A video shared by the media house further showed an anti-riot police officer preventing the occupants from exiting the building. Here it is below:

3.50 pm: Police Fire Live Rounds At Protesters In Mombasa

A video seen by Viral Tea shows police firing live-round gunshots to disperse protesters in Mombasa.

The protesters were seen gathered along a street before they ran in the opposite direction upon hearing and spotting police fire their weapons to disperse them.

In the process, two cops could be spotted taking turns emerging and firing shots.

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has received reports of civilian deaths due to the use of live ammunition during protests nationwide. "These protests have tragically claimed too many lives unnecessarily," KNCHR stated.

In addition, disturbing videos have surfaced showing youths engaging in street robberies in Mombasa, underscoring the escalating unrest in the coastal city.

Below is the video:

3.07 pm: Police Battle Protesters Along Thika Road

Police are battling protesters with teargas launched to disperse them along Thika Road in Ngara. 

Furthermore, huge bonfires lit by protesters with tyres have been ignited which have blocked a section of the busy superhighway, one of the major routes leading out of the Central Business District (CBD).

In the CBD's Imenti area, tensions persist as police confront protestors.

Meanwhile, along Luthuli Avenue, traders and business owners mount vigilance to thwart potential looting by rogue demonstrators.

2.58 pm: Police Surround Imenti House

Anti-riot police officers spotted near Imenti House in Nairobi CBD. 

Teargas have been lobbed as the officers disperse any gatherings by protesters amidst the presence of KDF officers.

2:15 pm - Mombasa Protestors Lay Flowers in Honour of Fallen Heroes

Protestors in Mombasa have erected a shrine at Treasury Square to honour those who have died during the anti-finance bill protests.

They formed a circle around three individuals draped in the national flag, singing 'BAADAYE' by Amos and Josh, featuring King Kaka, in a poignant tribute.

The death toll from the protests has reached 23, while Kenyatta National Hospital reported receiving 165 casualties from Tuesday’s clashes.

1.37 pm: KDF Soldiers In Company Of Cheering Protesters Along Tom Mboya Avenue

A vehicle with KDF officers was spotted amongst a huge crowd of protesters who assembled at Tom Mboya Avenue and celebrated their entry.

The soldiers were seen keeping watch as they snaked through the city road amidst the presence of anti-riot police officers.

Here is the video:

1.35 pm: Teargas At Jamia Mosque

Police have allegedly deployed teargas at aid workers at Jamia Mosque, with photos showing the premises engulfed in teargas smoke.

"Medical personnel should not be the target, they’re there to offer help to both protesters and police," stated Dr Mercy Korir on X.

1.10 pm: KDF Spotted Patrolling Waiyaki Way, University Way

A convoy of KDF officers have been spotted patrolling roads such as Museum Hill, moving along Waiyaki Way, with others moving through University Way.

Some of them had earlier retreated to the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, in preparation for potential unrest in the capital that may require their attention.

1:00 pm - Tense Standoff at Kisumu State Lodge

In Kisumu, protestors staged a peaceful sit-down in front of the Kisumu State Lodge. Another group of protesters is confronting a military tanker and a line of police officers, blocking their path to Kisumu State Lodge.

Located in the Milimani area, the State Lodge remains calm, with police officers refraining from interfering with the demonstrators. Protestors are engaged in a dialogue with the officers manning the State Lodge.

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