Kenya’s anti-government protesters on Tuesday defied President William Ruto’s warning of severe consequences and staged street demonstrations across the country, demanding his resignation.
By noon, protests were reported in various parts of Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Kajiado counties.
In contrast to previous demonstrations, pro-government groups emerged in the capital, Nairobi, to counter the anti-Ruto campaigners, staging motorcycle rides in support of the Kenya Kwanza regime.
The amorphous group, mainly composed of boda boda riders, crisscrossed the Central Business District, honking, whistling, and chanting in support of the President.
The pro-Ruto protesters, who were granted free passage at all police roadblocks, carried placards with messages such as “Let us give our president time,” “Ruto tuko nyuma yako (We’re behind you, Ruto),” and “Tumechoka na (We’re tired of) Gen Z.”
In Imara Daima, a group dubbed Amani Kenya countered anti-government protests by assisting police in clearing roads barricaded by demonstrators.
In Mombasa, police clashed with protesters marching through the coastal city streets, calling for the government’s dissolution and accusing President Ruto of failing to deliver on his 2022 campaign promises. Officers fired teargas to disperse the demo on Moi Avenue, injuring a trader who required medical attention.
Police also lobbed teargas at groups of stone-throwing youths attempting to barricade Namanga Road.
An unmarked helicopter hovered low over the town for three hours before four unmarked, siren-blaring Subarus arrived at high speed, following protesters to feeder roads as police sought to disperse them.
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