“Tulia Upangwe”- TUESDAY’S PROTESTS TACTICS

In Kenya, the pulse of innovation beats strongest within its Gen Z and millennial creative community,  who are redefining activism beyond social media posts. During Tuesday’s demonstrations dabbed #occupyjkia, ‘the rage and courage’,  protestors brought out a new wave of blending activism and creativity. The movement’s strategic approach inadvertently drew parallels to offering meat to a lion—a metaphor that aptly captures how their tactics redirected public attention and reshaped the discourse on governmental response. taking to their socials, the protestors were to take over the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on grounds of failed systems. however on the day of execution, it was the real definition of “Kwa ground vitu ni Different”.

In the morning, there was heavy police presence on roads leading to the airport to prevent protester from accessing the Airport. The police also erected barricades at intersections on all state house access roads incase the fearless protestors decided to march into statehouse. This comes few hours after police inspector general Douglas Kanja warned the protestors against trespassing and interfering with protected Areas.

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As they day unfolded, scenes at the airport indicated minimal to zero activity even as police conducted thorough inspection at the checkpoint not knowing what befell the CBD. Hundred of protesters swarmed into town chanting “we are Peaceful” as always. many now argue that the protests were indeed peaceful because there was no heavy police presence in the Cbd. despite that, a handful of people were reportedly hurt after the police landed and started lobbying teargas canisters against the masses.

Nairobi county police Boss Adamson Bungei who was also on ground in the Cbd was welcome with chants ” we are Peaceful”. Bungei seemed not to have a rough time even as he tried to address the group of protesters along Moi avenue. These protests were preceded by the pro government protests around town. They waved placards written ” let’s Give the president time, tumechoka na Gen Z”

On the other hand, senator Millie Odhiambo has called on the state to use the protests as a benchmarking tool. She says the only reason the protests become ugly is when the police start lobbying teargas towards the Peace protestors. Odhiambo has urged the police force to let the protests go on peacefully and that will attract tourist to benchmark.