The highly anticipated attempt by protesters to storm Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during Tuesday’s demonstrations turned out to be a diversion.
Contrary to the expectations fueled by social media buzz the previous night, no protesters were observed near the crucial facility.
Despite heightened security measures at JKIA and surrounding roads, including heavy police patrols and numerous checkpoints, the airport remained quiet with minimal activity throughout the day.
Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja had earlier declared JKIA a protected area, issuing stern warnings to protesters against trespassing.
In the early hours, police patrolled Outering Road and other key areas in armored vehicles and on foot.
Initially, the roads were largely deserted, but as the day progressed, some protesters gathered and managed to block a section of Outering Road.
The calm at JKIA sharply contrasted with the buzz on social media platforms the previous night, where protesters had shared memes and messages about their planned actions at the airport.
However, by 1 pm, the Central Business District (CBD) was bustling with protesters chanting “we are peaceful,” defying earlier predictions of a quiet day.
Meanwhile, pro-government demonstrators also took to the streets, carrying placards urging the Gen Z protesters to allow the President to work.
Their signs bore messages such as “Let’s give President time” and “Tumechoka na Gen Z” (We are tired of Gen Z).
Despite the overall peaceful nature of the protests, sporadic incidents of violence did occur.
A motorcycle was set on fire on Kenyatta Avenue, and police used teargas to disperse a group of protesters on Moi Avenue.
These actions highlighted the underlying tensions between the demonstrators and the authorities.
Nairobi Police Chief Adamson Bungei visited the CBD, engaging with protesters and reinforcing the message of maintaining peaceful demonstrations.
His presence aimed to de-escalate potential conflicts and ensure the safety of both protesters and the general public.
A heavy police presence was also noted along State House access roads, with barricades set up at key intersections to prevent any unauthorized access.
Another contingent of officers worked to prevent protesters from advancing towards JKIA on Mombasa Road, ensuring the airport’s security was not compromised.
The contrast between the heightened security at JKIA and the absence of protesters at the airport underscored the complexity of managing the demonstrations.
While the anticipated storming of the airport turned out to be a diversion, the day’s events revealed the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the protests.
The anticipated attempt to storm JKIA was a well-executed diversion, with protesters choosing to focus their efforts elsewhere in the city.
The heavy police presence and proactive measures by the authorities ensured that the airport remained secure.
As the protests continue, the authorities and the public will need to remain vigilant and adaptable to the evolving strategies and tactics employed by the demonstrators.
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