Banning Demonstrations In Nairobi, Kenyan Police Accuse Anti-government Demonstrators Of Being Infiltrated By Criminal Gangs

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JAKARTA - Kenyan police have banned demonstrations at the heart of the capital Nairobi after weeks of anti-government protests accused by police of being infiltrated by organized criminal gangs.

It was recorded that 50 people died in protests led by young people against the proposed tax increase that occurred across the country a month ago.

Demonstrations continued even after Kenyan President William Ruto lifted the law and sacked almost the entire cabinet.

Activists say they want Ruto to resign and call for systemic changes to eradicate corruption and address poor governance.

"We have reliable intelligence information that organized criminal groups plan to take advantage of ongoing protests to carry out attacks including looting," said Douglas Kanja Kiricho, police chief.

"Demonstration is not allowed in the central business area of Nairobi and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," he added.

The protests, organized online without the real support of opposition political figures, created the biggest crisis in the two years of Ruto's rule.

Demonstrations started peacefully but then turned violent. Several demonstrators stormed parliament on June 25, and the police opened fire.

Ruto's office planned a multi-sectoral' talk this week to address protesters' complaints, but on Thursday there were no signs the talks would begin.

Most of the figures behind the protest rejected the invitation, and instead called for immediate action on issues such as corruption.

Several activists expressed calls for people to gather in camping gear at Uhuru Park, a recreational area adjacent to downtown Nairobi.

There were many policemen present in the city on Thursday morning, a Reuters reporter said.

"(Police and President Ruto) do not have the power to suspend rights guaranteed by the constitution," wrote activist Boniface Mwangi on social media platform X in response to the ban on protests.