Police have arrested several youths in Nairobi CBD who were gathering for their planned “Nane Nane” protest scheduled for today. Videos surfacing online show the police roughly handling unarmed protesters who had assembled along Kimathi Street, forcing them to sit on the tarmac while they awaited police vehicles to transport them.
According to a speaker who tweeted about the situation, the police brutality is reportedly making a return. The speaker alleged that the protesters were arrested for singing the national anthem on Kimathi Street. “They have arrested us for singing the national anthem. This is absurd,” tweeted one of the protesters who had come to the CBD.
Earlier today, several roads, including Thika Road, were blocked by the police, who suspected that these routes were being used by the protesters to access the CBD. Additionally, several youths were dispersed along Moi Avenue in an effort to prevent them from gathering and potentially causing damage to property.
The youth’s call for accountability has been fueled by dissatisfaction with the newly formed cabinet, which they feel did not meet their expectations. Many were disappointed to see several politicians recycled rather than introducing new faces to the cabinet. The unrest highlights ongoing frustrations with political leadership and government transparency.