Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | On Tuesday, anti-government protesters in Kenya defied President William Ruto’s stern warnings and took to the streets across the nation, calling for his resignation.
By midday, demonstrations had spread to several key locations, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Kajiado counties.
In contrast to previous protests, this time pro-government supporters organized counter-demonstrations in Nairobi. They staged motorcycle rallies to show their backing for the beleaguered Kenya Kwanza administration.
A diverse group of pro-Ruto demonstrators, predominantly boda boda riders, took to the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). They honked, whistled, and chanted in a show of support for President William Ruto.
The pro-Ruto protesters, who were allowed to pass freely through police roadblocks, carried various placards with messages such as “Let Us Give Our President Time,” “Ruto Tuko Nyuma Yako” (We’re Behind You, Ruto), and “Tumechoka na Gen Z” (We’re Tired of Gen Z).
The pro-Ruto riders, joined by several Nairobi City County Assembly members affiliated with Dr. Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party—including Mark Mugambi (Umoja One) and Brian Itenya (nominated)—displayed impressive organization and financial backing.
The group refueled at designated petrol stations across the city before gathering at Uhuru Park, a heavily guarded site in the capital. There, they received instructions for the rally they were about to undertake.
“Large group of boda bodas are fueling at Rubis next to the entrance of the Haile Selassie expressway. They have been told to line up, someone is footing their bill. Riot police stood by and ignored them,” tweeted journalist Robert Nagila.
As the pro-Ruto demonstrators began their street rides around Nairobi’s city center, heavily armed police cleared their path.
Tensions escalated when the pro-Ruto group clashed with rival boda boda riders near Hilton Hotel, with accusations of looting. The conflict intensified, resulting in a motorcycle being set ablaze outside Naivas Supermarket on Kenyatta Avenue. Police responded by deploying teargas to control the situation.
In Imara Daima, the counter-protest group Amani Kenya assisted police in clearing roads blocked by anti-government demonstrators.
In Mombasa, police faced off with protesters who marched through the city demanding the dissolution of the government, accusing President Ruto of failing to meet his 2022 campaign promises. Officers used teargas on Moi Avenue to disperse the crowd, injuring a trader who required medical attention.
Also Read: Over 50 anti-corruption protesters remanded to Luzira prison
In Kitengela, Kajiado County, at least ten anti-government protesters were arrested after demonstrations in a largely deserted town. Police responded with teargas against youths throwing stones and attempting to block the busy Namanga Road.
An unmarked helicopter hovered low over the town for three hours, followed by the arrival of four unmarked, siren-blaring Subarus. These vehicles pursued the protesters to feeder roads as police worked to disperse the crowd.
“It seems the officers are determined to harass people. Why do you harass a passer-by who is just innocently recording the incidents? Joseph Mwania, a resident, posed.
The local business community expressed frustration over the financial losses incurred during the protests and urged President Ruto to heed the concerns of the Kenyan people.
“Nowadays, we are operating for only four days a week. This is not a positive gesture for a developing country especially now that the cost of living is skyrocketing,” said James Muia.
