Anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations dominated the Nairobi Central Business District on Thursday.
Heavy security was present, with police from various units deployed to ensure protesters did not access restricted areas.
During the demonstrations, a video obtained by Mpasho showed a group of youths surrounding police vehicles with officers onboard. Initially, the youths chanted "Igwee," moving their hands up and down in salute to the officers.
They then switched to chanting "we are peaceful" as the Administration Police officers watched. At the officers' request, the youths made way for the police vehicle to reverse and move.
Despite these peaceful interactions, there were instances where police used teargas to disperse the protesters, leading to running battles.
This marked the second round of demonstrations in Nairobi, and the first in other towns and cities joining the protest against the punitive Bill.
These locations included Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, and Kisii. Mombasa held its protests on Wednesday amid heavy rains.
Many shops in Nairobi remained closed, and the city saw few people in town. Trucks full of anti-riot officers were stationed outside parliament buildings.
Parliament Road and City Hall Way were barricaded, with no access for motorists or pedestrians.
Young Kenyans led the Occupy Parliament movement to protest against the proposed taxes in the Finance Bill 2024. In the days leading up to Tuesday’s protests, youths used social media to rally support, employing the hashtag #OccupyParliament to urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers.
List of counties that will go without power today, Tuesday