Fear and police patrols keep protest towns quiet

Kitengela and Ongata Rongai, that have recently emerged as flashpoints of anti-government protests in the Nairobi metropolitan area, remained unusually calm on Thursday as the country marked the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z demonstrations.

In Kitengela, unlike previous protests that attracted thousands of demonstrators and often turned chaotic, business activities slowed considerably as many traders kept their premises closed over fears of possible unrest.

In Ongata Rongai, residents attributed the peaceful atmosphere to local youths who worked with police to prevent looting and destruction of property.

“As youths of Ongata Rongai, we agreed there would be no destruction of property or looting so that business people could operate peacefully. Since we know each other, we ensured that the agreement was respected,” said Sam, a local youth.

Residents said the initiative was spearheaded by local youth leaders, including aspiring Ongata Rongai MCA Abdi Salam.

In Kitengela, residents linked the absence of demonstrations to heightened security operations, opposition from sections of the local community and uncertainty surrounding the planned protests.

The Standard observed several Subaru vehicles believed to belong to security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), patrolling the area.

Residents reported a heavy deployment of security officers from Wednesday night, with police maintaining surveillance in key areas and residential estates.

According to resident Peter Kioko, police mounted an overnight operation and sealed several access routes previously used by protesters.

“Police were everywhere from Wednesday night. They blocked many of the routes people normally use. By morning, many had already decided not to come out,” he said.

Another resident, Alex, said the visible police presence discouraged potential demonstrators.

“Many people felt it was not worth the risk. The heavy deployment created fear of possible confrontations,” he said.

Dialogue

Residents also cited opposition from sections of the Maasai community, whose leaders publicly urged people to maintain peace.

Kioko said local elders had spent days encouraging dialogue and warning against activities that could disrupt businesses and livelihoods.

“The message from many leaders was clear. They did not want violence or destruction of property in Kitengela, and many people listened,” he said.

The arrest of activist Bob Njagi, who had previously been linked to mobilisation efforts in the area, was also cited as a factor that weakened plans for demonstrations.

Several residents said his detention created uncertainty among organisers. “People associated him with mobilisation. After his arrest, many did not know whether the protests would proceed,” said a resident who requested anonymity.

Conflicting statements by authorities also contributed to confusion. Nairobi police boss Isa Mohamud initially declared that there would be no protests, while Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen later said authorities had received notification of the demonstrations.

Although no major incidents had been reported by afternoon, several youths were arrested and taken to Kitengela Police Station, including activist Nadhim Longton.

“My brother was arrested while taking my car to the car wash. Police told me he was accused of flying the Kenyan flag on the vehicle,” said Jamil Longton, who was abducted alongside his brother in 2024 and disappeared for 32 days.

Police commended

Kajiado County Police Commander Alex Shikondi said 126 people had been arrested across the county, with some released while others would be charged in court.

He said nearly 1,000 officers drawn from the regular police, General Service Unit, Kenya Prisons Service and the DCI participated in the operation.

A group that had organised a memorial service at Kitengela Stadium later cancelled the event, citing security concerns.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also toured the area, assuring residents of their safety and commending officers for maintaining order.

At Kitengela’s main stage, public service vehicles remained parked as operators waited to see how events would unfold. Movement remained noticeably low compared to a normal business day.

Many traders complained of lost income as customers stayed away.

Mildred Haoye, a water vendor and toilet attendant, said she had not made any sales since morning.

“Today there is no work in Kitengela. Many people have not opened their businesses. We want peaceful commemorations because life is already difficult,” she said.

Boda boda operators also reported reduced business.

Meanwhile, hundreds of motorists and passengers travelling to Nairobi were stranded for hours after police mounted a roadblock at Mlolongo, causing a major traffic snarl-up along Mombasa Road.

[Okumu Modachi, Peterson Githaiga and James Wanzala]