The nationwide demonstration against the government seemed to have lost steam yesterday as an uneasy calm prevailed in most parts of the country.

Despite the Gen Zs calling for peaceful demonstrations against the Kenya Kwanza administration on Thursday, the streets of major towns and cities remained unusually deserted.

A survey by the Nation across the country established that streets in towns and cities were largely empty amid a heavy presence of law enforcement officers. Businesses remained closed for fear of looting.

In Nairobi, however, it was business as usual. The capital was the epicentre of the protests that were triggered by the tabling of the Finance Bill, 2024 in the National Assembly.

Traders opened their shops as usual while public vehicles plied their customary routes.

Contingents of police officers were deployed at strategic points across the city centre in anticipation of an outbreak of protests.

A police truck with anti-riot police officers was stationed at the junction of Kenyatta and Moi avenues, while another took position in the Ngara neighbourhood, which is a walking distance from the city centre.

Return to normalcy

A few police officers were also stationed at Moi Avenue, Parliament Road, the Kenya National Archives and other places in the city.

Unlike the past two weeks, Parliament Road was open to motorists, indicating a near return to normalcy, while for the first time, City Hall Road was closed to motorists and pedestrians were thoroughly screened before being granted access.

As at 11am, the city’s thoroughfares that had previously been rocked by protests, including Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street, Khoja bus stop, Thika Road and Mombasa Road, remained uneventful, with motorists and traders going about their businesses undisturbed.

Roads leading to State House were also cordoned off for the second week running, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.

The roads affected included Dennis Pritt Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road and adjoining feeder roads, with police asking anyone wishing to access the roads to identify themselves.

Instead of going to the streets and risking facing off with armed goons who had infiltrated peaceful protests, young people in Nairobi have fronted an idea of holding a concert at Uhuru Park this Sunday, July 7, to mourn their departed colleagues who died during the protests.

This date will coincide with the commemoration of Saba Saba Day, which many consider the country’s “second liberation” moment when Kenyans took to the streets to demand free elections on July 7, 1990.

For the better part of the day yesterday, a number of businesses remained closed in Nakuru City’s central business district.

Naivas and Cleanshelf supermarkets were, however opened, but under tight police guard.

Learning institutions

In Kisumu, the protests failed to take place despite a number of business owners and learning institutions remaining closed for fear of looting and running battles between police and protesters.

It was business as usual at the Kondele roundabout, which is usually the convergence point for protesters. Hoteliers in the lakeside city have borne the brunt of the weekly anti-government demonstrations amid a significant drop in the number of guests.

"Usually, the month of July marks the beginning of the peak season where hotels expect a bed occupancy of between 50 and 60 per cent. But with the demonstrations, hotels are doing below 20 percent, " said Mr Robinson Anyal, the chairman of Lake Victoria Tourism Association.

Mr Anyal said the sector had witnessed numerous cancellations or postponements of accommodation and conference bookings.

Empty rooms

Best Western Hotel Kisumu General Manager Peter Ayuko said the establishment had been left with empty rooms due to cancelled bookings.

"We have cancelled two big conferences and a number of confirmed and paid accommodations. We now have several refunds to make, “said Mr Ayuko.

Even though it was calm in Kisii town, most of the major businesses remained closed.

Police were spotted patrolling the streets in the town that on Tuesday witnessed violent confrontations leading to the death of one person.

On Wednesday night, groups of men armed with clubs harassed residents in some estates. The Nation has learnt that the vigilante groups have been formed by some politicians to scare away protesters.

In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga expressed concern over claims that criminal gangs had infiltrated the Gen Z demonstrations.

Ms Wanga said the criminals are out to destroy property and perpetrate other forms of crime including sexual violence against women.

“The demonstrators moved to the streets with good and genuine motives, but it is unfortunate that criminals ended up hijacking the protests,” she said, adding that at least 15 people were injured during last Tuesday's protests.

Chaotic protests

In Coast region, there was calm despite fears that there would be more anti-government demonstrations.

Some schools did not open out of fear of chaotic protests such as those witnessed in recent demonstrations.

Police officers were on high alert within various towns in the region as they patrolled the streets and stood guard at areas they thought would be targeted by looters.

In Mombasa County, businesses opened later than usual due to fears of potential attacks by goons alleged to have infiltrated the peaceful protests organised by Gen Z activists.

Along Nyerere Avenue, which had witnessed violent clashes on Tuesday, the situation remained peaceful. However, tensions were heightened after rumours circulated that protesters were planning a candle-lighting session near Qaffee Point Restaurant in honour of those who had been shot there.

Police officers were immediately posted to the area to prevent an outbreak of violence.

In areas such as Sabasaba, Buxton, Nyali Bridge, and Kongowea, security officers were seen patrolling and dispersing crowds to deter any kind of suspicious gatherings.

In Bamburi, Shanzu, Majaoni, and Mtwapa, businesses operated without interruption.

Members of the Mtwapa Business Community, who had suffered losses on Tuesday, armed themselves with clubs and vowed to protect their premises from looters.

At some point, the police dispersed a few hooligans who had set up a roadblock near the Mtwapa Bridge. Police vehicles patrolled the seaside town intermittently.

Normal business was also witnessed in most towns in the North Rift region where recent anti-government protests had resulted in deaths and destruction of property.

Anti-riot police in armoured personnel carriers patrolled the streets in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, while others were stationed in strategic entry points in the town centre even as most traders went on with their businesses.

Divert attention

“The prevailing peace is conducive for business operations and it is our wish that the government irons out contentious issues raised by protesting youths,” said Mr Jackson Maina, a trader at the town’s retail market.

Protesters who spoke to the Nation said their largely peaceful demonstrations had been infiltrated by hired goons who are out to cause violence and divert attention from their genuine grievances and calls for reforms in the government.

“It will be counterproductive to take to the streets when hired goons have been deployed to cause violence. There are other means we can push for radical changes in the government and have our issues addressed,” said Ms Jane Jepkosgei, 24.

Eldoret erupted into violence last week as thousands of anti-tax demonstrators engaged police in running battles in President William Ruto’s backyard.

The demonstrators vowed to recall their lawmakers who supported the Finance Bill, 2024, terming them as betrayers.

And in neighbouring Trans Nzoia County, traders in Kitale town went on with their business.

Heed demands

“Today is very peaceful and we are happy to have the security to open our business unlike Tuesday and last week, which was chaotic,” said Mr Kennedy Soita.

A section of residents called on the government to heed demands made by the Gen Z protesters to avert future protests.

Similar tranquillity was witnessed in West Pokot, Turkana and Baringo counties. Learners who had been on their mid-term break were able to report back to their institutions.

By Victor Raballa, Ruth Mbula, Rushdie Oudia, Elizabeth Ojina, George Odiwuor, Steve Otieno, Hillary Kimuyu, Eric Matara, Barnabas Bii, Evans Jaola, Oscar Kakai and Wachira Mwangi