Tear Gas, Chaos, and Resistance: Youth-Led Protests Shake Kitengela, Kisii, and Nairobi Amid National Unrest

• Tensions Erupt in Kitengela and Kisii as Youth-Led Protests Defy Police Force

Widespread protests swept across several Kenyan towns on Monday, as youth demonstrators flooded the streets of   Kitengela  ,   Kisii  , and   other urban centers  , defying roadblocks and clashing with heavily deployed police units.

In   Kitengela  , riot police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators who had seized control of the town’s central business district. Despite efforts to barricade roads leading in and out of the area, the determined protesters overpowered the officers, forcing their way through and erecting makeshift barriers using stones and burning tyres.

With tension rising, many local businesses shut down out of fear of looting and possible attacks. The confrontation between police and the protesters quickly escalated into a chaotic standoff, with tear gas smoke clouding the town center. In some instances, officers were spotted discharging their firearms, though it remained unclear whether they were using live or rubber bullets.

Residents expressed frustration over the disruption, citing difficulty in accessing basic services such as food, education, and medical care.

“These protests are no longer about peaceful expression  they’ve taken on a criminal edge,” said one concerned business owner. “Our children are stuck at home, schools are closed, and we can’t even get basic supplies. We urge the authorities to take decisive action.”

 Chaos in Kisii Town 

In   Kisii  , the town center saw a similar eruption of unrest. Demonstrators, largely made up of youth groups, brought activities to a halt despite the deployment of anti-riot police from various security agencies. Marching boldly through the streets with flags and whistles, the protestors voiced sharp criticism of the government, singing resistance songs while under the watchful eye of patrolling officers.

Police presence was heavy, but the crowd appeared undeterred. Patrol vehicles circulated the town, yet the disruption continued. The tension forced schools to close for the day, leaving children indoors as classrooms sat empty.

  Mixed Reactions in Kisumu and Nairobi 

Meanwhile, in   Kisumu  , a group of youth took to the streets in a surprising twist  not in support of the national demonstrations, but to condemn them. Carrying banners, they criticized protests in other regions, arguing that such unrest was a threat to the city’s fragile peace.

In   Nairobi  , the situation remained tense, particularly in   Kamukunji  , where opposition supporters had started gathering ahead of a planned address by   Raila Odinga  . His allies were seen rallying the crowd, building momentum for his appearance later in the day.

      Relative Calm in Mombasa 

Unlike other regions,   Mombasa   experienced a relatively peaceful day. Though security forces were deployed in large numbers, the coastal city remained calm, with no major incidents reported as of Monday afternoon.