About 1000 supporters of politician Maina Njenga staged a peaceful march along Jogoo Road in Nairobi on Wednesday morning, sparking brief panic among onlookers who mistook them for protesters.
The group had attended a court mention for a case involving Njenga at Makadara Law Courts before proceeding to march toward the city center, where they eventually dispersed under police supervision.
Police confirmed the march was peaceful and posed no threat to public order.
“There was nothing to worry about on the march,” police sources said, emphasizing that the group conducted themselves orderly throughout the procession.
The march occurred against the backdrop of ongoing protests in various parts of the country over issues including police brutality, leading witnesses to initially mistake the Njenga supporters for protesters.
Images of the group circulated on social media, amplifying public concern before authorities clarified the situation.
Njenga faces charges dating back to 2023 related to possession of crude weapons during Kenya’s anti-tax protest period.
The prosecution alleges that Njenga and his co-accused intended to commit a felony based on items found in their possession during arrest.
According to court documents, the accused were found with 14 machetes, 24 Maasai swords, 46 rungus, and three jembe sticks during their arrest.
The case was scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, prompting supporters to gather at the courthouse in advance of the proceedings.
The march comes amid heightened tensions in Kenya following recent protests that have resulted in significant casualties.
Recent demonstrations, including Monday’s Saba Saba protests, have been marked by violence, with reports indicating over 140 people have been killed in protests since 2023.
Police maintained close monitoring of the Njenga supporters’ movement from the courthouse to the city center, ensuring the group remained peaceful and dispersed without incident.
The authorities’ measured response reflects efforts to distinguish between legitimate gatherings and potentially disruptive protests.
The incident highlights the charged political atmosphere in Kenya, where any organized gathering can quickly generate public anxiety and social media speculation, even when participants are exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
