This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On August 25, 2020, a protest against alleged theft of Covid-19 funds at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) took place in Kabarnet, Baringo County.
Despite notifying local police of the protest, the demonstrators received no response. However, when officers descended on the scene, one brave protester stood his ground.
He informed the officers that they had given notice and did not require permission to protest, as the right to picket is enshrined in the Constitution. He thanked the officers for arriving to offer them security as they protested.
As he continued engaging the police, more protesters gathered, waving placards and demanding answers. The protester told the officers that they were not out to cause chaos but only wanted answers on the expenditure of public funds.
"We want the crooks to be arrested. We have come here to ask questions, you police officers are Kenyans like ourselves," he stated to loud cheers from fellow protesters.
Police Inspector-General Hillary Mutyambai had previously stated that protests were banned during the Covid-19 period to ensure compliance with social distancing. However, this directive was met with backlash from a section of Kenyans, who considered it a double standard given that political leaders and government officials had been spotted in large gatherings.
Watch the video below to see the confrontation between the protester and the police:
