On March 27, 2023, tensions rose in the Kawangware Region of Nairobi County when protesters blocked streets with tires, giant stones and lit bonfires.

A reporter from Nairobi News at the site saw the mayhem as shops were forced to close because of the rising violence.

Resident Mr Joshua Ogutu believes that President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga may talk to address the issue.

"Conversations between the two top leaders will be crucial. Chaos will result from the protests, he claimed.


The situation worsened throughout the day as protesters threw stones at police officers trying to clear the roads.

Resident Ms Mary Wambui said, "The police were obliged to fire teargas canisters to disperse the throng that had started getting unruly."

The crowd was dispersed by the police using tear gas canisters as a response, which sparked an ongoing conflict between the two sides.

Around 12:20 PM, Mr Japheth Koome, the Inspector General of Police, issued a warning, informing Kenyans that Mr Odinga had not been given permission to stage protests and advising them to go about their daily business.

I urge all Kenyans to carry on as usual, and we are working to guarantee that extra cops are stationed in various sections of the city to handle any turmoil, according to Mr Koome.

Insisting that there were other ways for the opposition to express their complaints, he charged them with causing chaos.


Mr Koome added a warning that police officers would not be intimidated and would work hard to create an atmosphere that allowed Kenyans to conduct business.

It was noted that Mr Odinga had declared his intention to organize protests every Monday and Thursday in Kenya after what he deemed a successful protest on March 20, 2023.