Tensions escalated on Friday as police clashed with supporters of Azimio leader Raila Odinga during a march towards Nairobi's Central Business District on the onset of Saba-saba protests before heading to Kamukunji Grounds for a grand rally.

This comes after Nairobi Police Boss Adamson Bungei asserted that the Kamukunji is legal. 

However, Bungei said the protestors would not be allowed into Nairobi's Central Business District.

Tear gas canisters were deployed by law enforcement officials to disperse the crowd, leaving supporters seeking water to alleviate the effects.

While at Kamukunji, Raila provided his supporters with a way forward, urging them to join protests against the government over the soaring cost of living.

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Responding to his call, residents of Kisumu took to the streets, resulting in road blockades and minimal movement throughout the Lakeside City. To avoid any potential confrontations, many businesses chose to remain closed as locals sought refuge indoors.

A vibrant procession emerged from Kondele, heading towards the town center, with residents passionately waving placards and voicing their dissent with anti-government slogans.

Expressing their grievances, they highlighted the pressing issues plaguing Kenyans, including the high cost of living, soaring food prices, excessive taxation, and widespread corruption.

In Nyahururu town, planned Saba Saba protests were called off after the arrest of former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and former Jubilee Party Laikipia West MP aspirant Sarolyne Mwendia.

The leaders were apprehended as they attempted to organize protests within the town.

Police officers confronted them around 12:30 pm and swiftly detained them before they could stage the demonstrations.

Confirming the arrests, Nyahururu Sub County Police Commander Jacqueline Gacheri explained that the leaders were currently held at the Nyahururu police station on charges of planning an illegal protest.

She further mentioned that anti-riot police had been deployed in the town to maintain public order and peace.

Meanwhile, in Kirinyaga, deputy, Martha Karua, arrived at Difathas, where she spearheaded the anti-government protest, joining the nationwide movement.

As tensions continue to mount, Kisii experienced a standstill as Saba Saba protests gripped the town.

The demonstrators took to the streets, further amplifying the public discontent and demanding urgent action from the government to address their concerns.

In Mombasa, participants kept their word and held a peaceful procession to the County Commissioner’s office after having a word with Kisauni OCPD who stood in for the County Commissioner who was allegedly out of office at the time.

Previously, the civil societies in the coastal city had followed the legal procedure to participate in the saba-saba protests and the authorities allowed their request as long as they were peaceful.

However, the green light turned red on Thursday night thus rendering the Friday protests illegal.

 With widespread participation and grievances reaching a boiling point, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of its citizens.

As the protests unfold, citizens across Kenya eagerly await concrete steps to alleviate the economic burdens and address the underlying issues affecting their daily lives.