A Kenyan court on Thursday, July 18, halted a police ban on protests in the capital. The Milimani law courts ruled that the ban remains suspended pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by a Kenyan NGO challenging the police directive.
On Wednesday, July 17, the acting police inspector general had banned protests in Nairobi’s central district (CBD) and surrounding areas indefinitely, citing a lack of leadership to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
The suspension came ahead of a planned demonstration where protesters were expected to march to the president’s office.
On Thursday, police were heavily deployed around the CBD, patrolling the streets, and major roads leading to the president’s office were cordoned off.
Kenya’s capital has been the epicenter of youth-led protests, which have also spread across the country. Police have been accused of shooting dead protesters, prompting the resignation of Japheth Koome, the former inspector general.
The government spokesperson on Thursday stated that the economy had incurred losses amounting to approximately $45 million due to the ongoing month-long protests. Isaac Mwaura urged protesters to embrace patriotism.