Was JKIA a decoy? Protesters flood CBD, keep off airport

Plans to storm the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport during Tuesday’s protests may have been nothing but a decoy by the Gen Z to throw security agencies off their trail.

Whilst security remained heightened at the JKIA and on roads leading to the airport, no protesters were cited anywhere near the critical installation which acting Police IG Douglas Kanja declared a protected area and warned protesters against trespassing.

Contingents of officers were seen patrolling Outering Road on foot and in armored vehicles even as it remained largely deserted in the early hours of the day; protesters later assembled and blocked a section of the road.

Scenes at the airport indicated little to no activity with very minimal traffic flow as police at the checkpoint conducted thorough inspections.

The picture was the exact opposite of what was demonstrated the previous night on X where protesters shared hilarious memes of what they would do once inside the airport.

Fast forward to 1 pm Tuesday, the Central Business District, which was largely expected to remain dormant, was swarmed by hundreds of protesters who chanted ‘we are peaceful’.

The protests were preceded by one organised by pro-government demonstrators who carried placards with a message asking Gen Z to keep off the streets and let the President work.

They waved placards written "Let's give President time" and "Tumechoka na Gen Z".

At some point, a motorcycle was torched along Kenyatta Avenue and police lobbed teargas at another group on Moi Avenue.

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei arrived in the CBD and engaged with the protesters who continued chanting 'we are peaceful'.

All the while, there was also heavy police presence along all State House access roads with barricades erected at intersections.

Another contigent of officers was stationed on Mombasa Road and worked to prevent protesters who started to march towards JKIA.