Inside the 'Occupy Parliament' protests: The chaos, volatility and the bravery

It was 11:00 am.

Unbeknownst to them, thousands had thronged Kimathi Street just outside Nation Centre, a few blocks from where we were, and had already started to commove.

Donned in black and red attires, hoisting placards written with all forms of anti-government hashtags and anti-President William Ruto aspersions, the protesters had already charged into steamy running battles with the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) officers as teargas clouded the ever-tranquil street.

The day's plan was to march from a designated point in the CBD to parliament buildings and mount pressure on Members of Parliament to shoot down the Bill ahead of its tabling at around 2:30 pm.

At Archives we were still toasting under the scorching sun and the strolling officers had started randomly arresting young Kenyans including those wearing green, yellow, and blue outfits. The boredom was itching for apt "police action".

I get a call from a fellow journalist on the swelling melee along Kiamthi Street and we dash to the premises and as we approach chants and explosions rent the air.

"Ruto must go, Ruto must go, Ruto must go" the chants grew louder as we crossed Kenyatta Avenue while approaching the crowd. A police vehicle with armed officers zoomed past and they lobbed two canisters at the crowd.

Together with my cameraperson, we joined the battery of journalists already covering the riot as the crowds dispersed as some brave individuals showed their defiance by braving the stinging smoke. They looked high on dopamine shots. The adrenaline sat heavy in everyone.

It was 12:00pm.

The crowd regroups and starts marching towards Serena Hotel when the same police car zoomed past again and this time three canisters were sent into the air. Three blasts later a runny nose, teary eyes, and a throat-cutting cough were still unable to douse the grit to chase the story.

"It's just not about the bread, the car grant it's about the whole Bill. We have to make sure that we are all equal and the President listens to us," one protester told me.

"This was the mobilisation place but they (police) decided to come and disrupt this whole issue. They (government) have to listen we have to make a point."

The march was quickly diverted by more officers forcing protesters to march towards Koinange Street through Jamia Mosque but they were however not free from the ruthless resolve of the officers. Two more canisters went off.

"We have not violated any law, we are peacefully protesting against this punitive regime. We will not cower to call out that government. They must bring in sane reforms, not those careless proposals made in that Bill," a young lady said after we safely dodged the volatile street.

Our next spot was at Cardinal Otunga Road where protesters were aiming to access parliament buildings. At this point, all entry points to the legislators' chambers were barricaded and officers were armed to the tooth.

It was 1:30 pm.

As the protesters charged, a water cannon fired up its engine and shot water at anyone and anything on its way. Five protesters and one journalist were injured, seemingly infuriating the protesters and the cat-and-mouse chase grew worse.

More police cars were now zooming past the precincts and they seemed to be using the road as their rendezvous point. I could even hear them make jubilant chants as they drove out. Action was still soaring more arrests were being made.

"Wakenya mslilale, lale, lale wakenya mslilale, bado mapambano, mapambano, mapambano, bado mapambano (Kenyans do not relent, the struggle goes on)," the protesters sang as they were bundled into police lorries.

The protesters now regrouped at Muindi Mbingu Street where they spent the better part of the day. They thronged the street in their masses as they chanted anti-government chants.

"Down down Finance Bill! No more corruption! Ruto must go!"

Minutes later two police with about a dozen officers parked at both ends of the streets and lobbed several canisters even rendering the scamper for safety futile. I was engulfed under a thick teargas smoke cloud and all broke loose when I inhaled a generous portion of the deadly fumes.

A sharp pang hit my lungs and all I could hear was more detonations and screams from the dispersing crowd. I could barely see and walk so I sat on the tarmac waiting for another and possibly the final blast. 

The unpalatable experience was salvaged by a passerby who offered me water and after a minute of excruciating pain, I came to. Now I have a newfound respect for protesters who dance samba inside the teargas smoke during protests.

It was 3:00 pm.

Running battles heightened until 5 pm when most of the arrested persons protested for their release including leaders who demanded that they be set free.

A Gen-Z revolution

The majority of the protesters were within the Generation Z bracket and some millennials were given flowers for not shying away from confronting the officers amid the volatility. 

Social media was awash with images of the young radicals boldly calling out the government in a matter that can never be referenced in any other protests held in Kenya: no looting, no violence from protesters once cause.

They used slang chants that are only relatable to GenZs including "Kwani Tuesinyeshe" (we should not experience menstruation?), a slogan which opposed the tax proposal on sanitary pads.

Kenyans online admitted to the possibility that the GenZ will be the voice to advocate for permanent change in the nation given their bravery and resilience.

They even caught the attention of opposition leader Raila Odinga after a young Kenyan protester who claimed to be representing him during the protests. 

In a video that has been widely shared, the female protester praised the former Prime Minister for his role in advocating for Kenyan rights. 

"Agwambo, this is a message for you," a TikToker known only as @doitlikeanini said in the video. 

"Usitokee, we saw what you did for Kenya; stay at home, and let us... tunatoka on your behalf."

Raila responded saying "I’m a very proud father today! "Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights!" Raila captioned a video on X. 

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi shared on X "We need to meet with #GenZ to draft a proper #FinanceBill to show ruto how to run a country. Kenya needs a renaissance."

Another used said :When we say position young people as agents of change and not subjects, please believe us💯👏🏾 Power to the Youth! The FUTURE! #GenZ in Kenya is finally doing it. Let me tell you, these guys said;  “WE WILL BE THERE, NO MATTER WHAT!”. Boss, they did just that, they showed up. This is it boss, redefining the future, Kenya belongs to you. Zakayo and his goons must understand that. Go on."

"Kenya's GenZ is unstoppable. Come what may, @WilliamsRutoMust Go!! Tumechoka" another one wrote.