Kenya police ban protests in Nairobi city after deadly anti-govt demonstrations

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenyan police said late Wednesday "no demonstrations would be permitted" in the centre of the capital Nairobi, following deadly anti-government protests.

The country has been roiled by initially peaceful rallies sparked by now-abandoned tax hikes, which degenerated into violence that has left scores dead, according to a state-funded rights group.

President William Ruto has scrambled to calm the situation, scrapping the proposed finance bill containing the tax increases, dismissing his cabinet, and promising government cuts.

But the rallies -- while much smaller than last month -- have continued across the country, with many still calling on the Kenyan leader to resign.

"No demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," acting National Police Chief, Douglas Kanja said in a statement late Wednesday.

The area has been the epicentre of many of the previous marches in the city. 

Ahead of the ban, some posters were being shared online calling on protesters to gather in nearby Uhuru Park before marching on State House on Thursday.

Wednesday's police statement went on to say the decision had been taken after officials received "credible intelligence that organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests".

"Criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct," it added. 

Prominent demonstrator Hanifa Edan posted on X earlier this month that the movement had been infiltrated by "goons", echoing what protesters had told journalists after some of the rallies turned violent with looting reported.

The ban follows smaller protests earlier this week that were met with a heavy police presence. In central Nairobi officers fired tear gas at scattered groups.

The demonstrations have spiralled into violence leaving 50 dead and 413 injured since their start on June 18, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday.

Rights groups have accused police of using disproportionate force against the protesters.