LIVE BLOG: Kenyans Embark On More Protests Despite Ruto Call For Talks

Today, the rallying call for the protests is 'Occupy Everywhere', with protests having already begun in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Kitengela, and Makueni.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Jul 2, 2024 - 12:36 Updated: Jul 2, 2024 - 19:01
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LIVE BLOG: Kenyans Embark On More Protests Despite Ruto Call For Talks
A protester navigates teargas in Nairobi CBD. /AL JAZEERA

Protests now enter the second week across multiple regions in the country with calls now growing for better governance. What began as anti-Finance Bill demonstrations have now grown into widespread anti-government demonstrations meant to force President William Ruto out of power.

Today, the rallying call for the protests is 'Occupy Everywhere', with protests having already begun in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Kitengela, and Makueni.

As for Nairobi, some pockets of the city remain calm though police could be seen in live coverage lobbing teargas to disperse protesters in the Central Business District (CBD).

The protests come amidst recent reports showcasing the grim toll of the protests, with 39 fatalities and 361 injuries reported. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Monday, July 1, also revealed 32 abductions and 627 arrests amid the escalating unrest.

It is worth it to note that the High Court banned the use of teargas and live bullets by police against protesters. Meanwhile, President Ruto has invited youths to an online forum via X Space between this Thursday and Friday.

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

5.30 pm: KNH Confirms 25 Casualties From Anti-Govt Protests

The Kenyatta National Hospital has reported receiving 25 injured victims from today's widespread anti-government protests across the country. 

Reports of both police and civilian shootings at demonstrators have surfaced, intensifying tensions in several regions. Still, protests in Nairobi continue unabated, marking a day of heightened unrest and civic action against the government's policies.

5:00 pm - Commander Bungei Sent to Kangemi to Reopen Blocked Nairobi-Nakuru Highway

Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei is spearheading a police reinforcement effort to reopen the heavily congested Nairobi-Nakuru highway, which protesters have barricaded throughout the day. 

The situation escalated around 3:00 pm when police were overwhelmed by demonstrators, prompting a tactical retreat.

Currently, two police water cannons are deployed, with additional GSU officers arriving at Kangemi Flyover to disperse the protesters. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

4.57 pm: Protests Traffic Update

Smooth traffic movement along Limuru Rd, Jogoo Rd, Juja Rd, Langata Rd, Ngong Rd, Wangari Mathaai Rd, Kangundo Rd, Eastern By-Pass, Southern By-Pass, and Northern By-Pass, Thika Road. 

Motorists are required to exercise caution along Express Way (Mlolongo area), Waiyaki ways (Waruku- Kangemi), Mombasa Rd (Imaara & Mlolongo), Outering Rd (Taj Mall, Quarry, Fedha& Kariobangi). You're advised to use alternative routes.

Hotspots along the Roads:

  1. Thika Rd: Roysambu, Car Wash - Gichura. 
  2. Waiayaki Way: Waruku - Kangemi.
  3. Mombasa Rd: GM, Imaara, Mlolongo.
  4. Nairobi Expressway: Mlolongo.
  5. Jogoo Rd: Rikana - Kaloleni.
  6. Outering Rd: Taj Mall, Quarry, Fedha, Kariobangi North.
  7. Juja Rd: Mathare No.10, Kwa chifu 
  8. Namanga Rd: Kitengela

4.13 pm: Protesters Loot Quiver Lounge Kitengela

Unknown individuals have vandalized and looted Quiver Lounge and Grill Kitengela. Videos circulating online depict a group breaking into the establishment, fleeing with unspecified valuables.

This adds to the escalating instances of looting reported across businesses in Mombasa and Nairobi, marking a troubling escalation of unrest.

4.01 pm: Recce Squad Deployed To Flush Out Suspected Sniper In Nairobi CBD

Officers from the Recce squad arrived at Hamburg House along Tom Mboya Street to flush out a man believed to have been armed and shot a police officer from the top of the building during the protests.

The lone gunman was reported to be on the second floor of the building. Police officers noticed gunshots coming from the top of the building housing a local bank along Moi Avenue.

"Allegedly shooting an officer. Recce backed by select special OP officers arrived and stormed in. No gunshots heard but in 20mins they were out," reported Chris Sambu on X.

The sniper who was confined in the building did not manage to leave as other police blocked all exits out of the building. 

In the 20 minutes of RECCE, upon entry, an operation ensued and they camouflaged in phases to exit with the alleged sniper. Reports claimed that he could have been a plain-clothes police officer.

3.46 pm: DCI's Update On Shooting In Mombasa

Following today's 1.30 pm unfortunate shooting at the Ganjoni area of Mombasa by a civilian firearm holder and the alleged owner of Qaffee Point Hotel that left some persons injured, the said shooter has since been arrested, disarmed and placed in custody, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

"The reported two persons who suffered injuries are receiving medical aid, and we pray that they will recuperate fast.

"The DCI thanks members of the public who acted fast to assist the injured to the hospital, and at the same time appeals to Mombasa people to be calm on this case as necessary legal action is being taken," the DCI stated in part.

3.00 pm: Protesters Overpower Police In Kangemi.

Protestors in Kangemi have overpowered police and are now heading towards Nairobi CBD.

The clashes began at 11 am, with police deploying tear gas in an attempt to push back the demonstrators who have however gained control and pushed past the police line.

Live images show the protestors near Kianda School along Waiyaki Way, with police still firing tear gas in a bid to stop them from marching towards the CBD.

2.43 pm: Protester Shot By Police Around Odeon

One protestor was shot in the leg at Odeon as protests in Nairobi escalated to violent levels. The protester was quickly rushed to the hospital after incurring wounds.

Some business owners resolved to protect their businesses amid reports of looting and break-ins by some protestors. Speaking on live television, a group of businessmen along Tom Mboya Street said they thwarted an attempt by protestors to torch a Shell petrol station on Latema Road.

2.30 pm: Protesters Place Coffins Along Moi Avenue to Symbolise Slain Comrades

Protestors have laid coffins along Nairobi's Moi Avenue amidst the ongoing demonstrations. At the moment, eight coffins have been counted, with the number steadily increasing.

Police are dispersing protestors with teargas as they carry the coffins in memory of those who have died during the anti-government protests.

Authorities have since cleared the coffins from the road to restore traffic flow.

1.30 pm: Protests In Mombasa Turn Violent

In Mombasa, peaceful protests have escalated into violence. Protesters are clashing with police, who are responding with tear gas to disperse the crowds. This unrest follows an appeal for peace from Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

"I am with the people of Mombasa. Let youths come out to protest without politicians. I am urging you to protest in peace. For those looting, there is no difference between them and Ruto," he told a group of chanting youths.

1:15 pm - Violence Erupts in Nairobi Protests

In Nairobi's CBD, specifically at Odeon, clashes between protestors and police have manifested into running battles, with reports of stone-throwing and property destruction.

One shoe-shinning stall at Odeon has been set ablaze. Tom Mboya has been closed with stones as youths and protestors face off.

The unrest extended to various parts of the capital, where additional protests were reported. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) presence in Nairobi. 

12.45 pm: Protesters Vandalise Section Of Nairobi Expressway

Protesters in Mlolongo have vandalised a section of the Nairobi Expressway, resulting in severe traffic disruptions to and from Nairobi CBD.

Several matatus with passengers are currently held at the weighbridge until the situation stabilises. The weighbridge remains accessible, with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic significantly reduced due to the unrest.

All businesses in the area have closed as a precautionary measure amidst heavy police presence along the Expressway. Protesters have barricaded both Nairobi-bound and Mombasa-bound lanes around Weighbridge in Mlolongo using stones and debris.

12.29 pm: Protesters Block Waiyaki Way & Mlolongo

Protesters have gathered along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, with police lobbing teargas to stop them from heading towards the CBD.

In Mlolongo, protesters could be seen along Mombasa Road as motorists opted to keep off the roads. This is evidenced by the absence of traffic as police work to stop protesters from marching to the CBD.

11:15 am - Police Fire Teargas at Archives

Police have fired teargas at protestors gathering at Archives in Nairobi CBD. This is the first incident of use of teargas reported since the protests began.

Police presence remains heavy, with all roads leading to State House closed. Parliament Road also remains closed.

Various police units camped outside the Parliament building. Police water cannons have been parked at KICC and remain on standby.

11:00 am - Mombasa, Kisumu Protestors Turn Up

Protestors are out in huge crowds in Mombasa and Kisumu, with the police calling for peace during the protests. Already, Mbaraki Girls Secondary School has closed and sent all students home. 

In Kisumu, protesters have turned up in numbers amidst police working to control the crowds.

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