![Kenya Police Confront Protesters Along Mombasa Road, Several Arrested](https://africasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya-2024-07-23T180012.073.jpg)
Kenya Police Confront Protesters Along Mombasa Road, Several Arrested
On Tuesday, police engaged protesters in running battles as they attempted to march down Mombasa Road, ostensibly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The group had gathered in Nairobi’s Central Business District before beginning their walk down Haile Selassie Avenue, then Uhuru High Way, and finally onto Mombasa Road.
However, police quickly responded to the plan and used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
This was filmed near Nyayo Stadium. Armed men harassing a small boy. pic.twitter.com/lUFvyir7S4
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) July 23, 2024
Initially, reports on social media claimed that protesters would occupy the JKIA.
Police increased security at the airport, barricading roads leading to it and conducting thorough inspections of users of the routes.
While security remained tight at the JKIA and on the roads leading to the airport, no protesters were seen near the critical installation, which acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja declared a protected area and warned protesters against trespassing.
Goons mobilizing at Shell Northview along Thika Road. pic.twitter.com/JXDy9TlGK8
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) July 23, 2024
Contingents of officers were seen patrolling Outering Road on foot and in armored vehicles early in the day, despite the fact that it was mostly deserted; protesters later gathered and blocked a section of the road.
Scenes at the airport showed little to no activity and very little traffic flow as police at the checkpoint conducted thorough inspections.
The image was the polar opposite of what was displayed the night before on X, where protesters shared hilarious memes of what they would do once inside the airport.
Fast forward to 1 pm Tuesday, and the Central Business District, which was widely expected to remain quiet, was swarmed by hundreds of protesters chanting ‘Ee are peaceful’.
Kenya Police Confront Protesters Along Mombasa Road, Several Arrested