Welcome to our live coverage of the #NaneNane protests in Kenya. Today, August 8, 2024, marks a pivotal moment as Kenyan youth take to the streets to demand a more inclusive and responsive government. The name “Nane Nane,” translating to “Eight Eight” in Swahili, signifies the date of this highly anticipated demonstration.
The protests stem from widespread discontent with the current administration under President William Ruto. Despite previous concessions, such as the withdrawal of the controversial 2024 Finance Bill and the disbandment of his Cabinet, the reappointment of several dismissed ministers has reignited frustrations. This march, described as the “Mother of All Protests,” aims to send a powerful message for change.
We will bring you real-time updates from the ground, capturing the voices, scenes, and key developments of this historic event. Stay tuned for live reports and social media reactions as Kenyans unite under the hashtags #NaneNaneMarch and #RutoMustGo.
5:21 pm: Multiple journalists have reported being targeted by police while covering protests in Nairobi. CNN’s Larry Madowo confirmed he was among those targeted, while Citizen TV’s Stephen Letoo noted that several journalists were injured today.
BREAKING: Kenyan police targeted me directly today. I was hit by a fragment after officers aimed at me and my CNN team at least twice while covering protests in Nairobi pic.twitter.com/Nh8F7HOvjI
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) August 8, 2024
5:10 pm: Police officers are diverting vehicles approaching Nairobi’s CBD via Murang’a Road near Fig Tree as part of efforts to manage the Nane Nane March protests.
4:55 pm: Police officers storm politician Jimi Wanjigi’s home in Muthaiga, Nairobi.
11:30 am: Relative calm was observed in various parts of the country, with normal business continuing in Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisii. However, a group of protesters has gathered in Nairobi’s CBD, clashing with the police.
10:55 am: Police begin deploying teargas to disperse a group of protestors gathering in the CBD.
Police disperse a group of protesters in Nairobi CBD. pic.twitter.com/GnVQiWxYh2
— Seth Olale (@SethOlale) August 8, 2024
10:01 am: First roadblock on Thika Superhighway set up near Safari Park with armed police presence. Another roadblock established just past Guru Nanak in Pangani, heading towards Ngara and the entry to the CBD.
9:40 am: President William Ruto swears in 19 new cabinet members at State House Nairobi.
9:04 am: Several police officers and anti-riot units have been spotted at various locations across Nairobi’s Central Business District, which remains relatively calm. A few businesses are open, and there is minimal movement in and out of the area.
