This archive report was first published on 20 October 2021.
On Mashujaa Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the lifting of the nationwide curfew, which had been in place since March 27, 2020. The declaration was met with wild cheers and jubilation from Kenyans across the country.
With the curfew lifted, traders can now operate around the clock, matatu operators can resume night travels, and revelers can enjoy nightlife without restrictions. The move has been welcomed by many, who have been eager to see the end of the curfew.
However, not everyone is pleased with the decision. Some Kenyans have taken to social media to mock the police for their handling of the curfew, with some accusing them of harassment, killings, and bribery.
As news of the lifted curfew spread, social media platforms were filled with humorous reactions and memes. Kenyans took to Twitter to express their joy and relief, with some even joking about the police feeling jobless now that the curfew has been lifted.
Among the reactions were those from Gabriel Oguda, who quipped that local man had lifted curfew orders, sending all police stations into a nationwide gloom; Otile Brown, who said businesses and the entertainment industry had suffered and it was their time to shine; and Fede 254, who joked that after the curfew had been lifted, he knew so many police officers were feeling jobless.
Others, like I am Soniah, remembered the two Embu brothers who lost their lives in the hands of police due to the curfew, which has now ended. Ruchu Jay encouraged people to go to parties and experience the freedom, while Adniko joked that men would now be marching to Koinange street in Nairobi without fear.
As Kenyans celebrate 'Freedom Day', they are being cautioned to be careful on the roads tonight. The lifting of the curfew has been seen as a major victory for Kenyans, who have been eager to see the end of the restrictions.
