One arrested as police disperse NASA protesters in Mombasa

One person was on Monday, October 16, arrested in Mombasa as police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse protesters who were gathering in the coastal city for demonstrations against the electoral commission.

Traders along Moi Avenue were forced to shut down their business premises even as a heavy contingent of police officers was seen walking around the coastal town.

Mombasa Deputy Governor William Kingi and Mvita MP Abdulswad Nassir were among those dispersed by police after kicking off the demos.

Similar protests were also witnessed in Nairobi, Migori, Siaya, Homa Bay and Kisumu, where a man is reported to have been shot at Kondele area as police dispersed protesters.

Business premises remained closed in Kisumu, Siaya and Migori as hundreds on protesters took to the streets to protest.

In Nairobi, there was little drama with police remaining on standby at strategic points within the city to quell any chaos that would erupt.

Last week, acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced a government ban on demonstrations in the Central Business Districts of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

The order was issued amid concerns that the protesters were destroying property and looting business premises.

Nonetheless, National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders have defied the ban and proceeded protests which they plan to hold daily beginning Monday, October 16.

Police apprehend a suspected protester in Mombasa on October 16

More to follow