Calm has returned to various cities across Kenya as business operations resume normally and protests against the government subside.
In Nairobi County, businesses that had previously been closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the past three weeks reopened yesterday, and passenger vehicles continued their operations peacefully. Police officers, however, remain on patrol throughout the city.
This shift in calm follows social media appeals from youth urging their peers to cease protests.
Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok have been used to warn that thieves are exploiting the peaceful demonstrations to loot businesses.
https://x.com/Taifa_Leo/status/1808867154768380204?t=dAIwkBkRSzTxi_ttQZUs9g&s=19
Intelligence and security officers nationwide suspect that these looters are being funded, and an investigation has been launched. Activist Boniface Mwangi also warned the youth against participating in the protests, urging them to return home as the demonstrations had turned into looting sprees.
By 5 a.m. on Thursday, major roads including Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street, Khoja Bus Station, Thika Expressway, and Mombasa Road were calm, with businesses operating normally. Major supermarkets like Naivas and Cleanshelf were open, though under heavy police guard.
Similarly, calm has been reported in Nakuru County and across many towns in the North Rift region. Despite this, riot police continued their patrols in Eldoret as businesses carried on with their activities.
Jackson Maina, a trader at a local market, expressed his satisfaction with the peaceful environment and called for the government to address the issues raised by the protesting youth.
Previously protesting youths have now expressed frustration, noting that the demonstrations have been hijacked by criminals. Jane Jepkosgei, 24, commented that there are better ways to drive change in government than through protests that result in property damage.
In Kisii County, businesses remained closed out of fear of looting, with police visible on patrol. In Kisumu, no protests occurred, although businesses and educational institutions stayed closed due to concerns over potential looting.
Unlike previous days when protesters would gather early in Kondele before marching into the city center, the area remained quiet, with businesses operating without interruptions. The towns of Bomet, Molo, Naivasha, and Kericho also experienced tranquility.
Instead of protesting, youth have now planned to organize a festival at Uhuru Park on Sunday, July 7.