A peaceful protest has been scheduled at Talanta Plaza in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where a young businessman is demanding the repayment of a Ksh 2 million debt that has remained unpaid for close to two years, with the demonstration now awaiting approval from the Nairobi Regional Police Office.
The money was allegedly loaned to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, Nuh Ibrahim, who took office in August 2023 as the first substantive head of the institution, but has since failed to honour the financial obligation despite repeated promises to settle the debt.
Yusuf Muhsin, the complainant, has formally notified the Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Police Commander, Issa Mohamud, of his intention to hold a peaceful demonstration on the date specified in his notice, pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to peaceably and unarmed, assemble, demonstrate, picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.
In his letter addressed to the Regional Police Commander, Muhsin states: "I am Writing to formally notify your Office Of an upcoming peaceful protest, pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution Of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to peaceably and unarmed, assemble, demonstrate, picket, and to present petitions to public authorities."
The details pertaining to the scheduled procession and public gathering are outlined in the notice as follows: the protest will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Talanta Plaza, Upper Hill, with the purpose being a "Peaceful Public Petition and Demonstration" and an estimated 150 to 200 participants expected to attend.
"We categorically assure your Office that this assembly Will be strictly peaceful, orderly, and Within the confines of the law. We have put in place an internal team of marshals who will collaborate closely With law enforcement officers to guarantee that participants adhere to public order, maintain proper decorum, and avoid any disruption to public peace or the free flow of traffic along Upper Hill avenues," reads part of Muhsin's letter.
The primary objective of the notification, according to the letter, is to request the police to "provide the necessary security presence and traffic management support" that "will safeguard the safety of both the general public and the demonstrators during the course Of the event."
Muhsin alleges that Ibrahim approached him for financial assistance when he was facing auction, and the young businessman extended the Ksh 2 million loan to the CEO, who has since failed to repay the money despite repeated promises, with each indication that the payment would be made the following month only to be followed by further delays, a pattern that has now continued for nearly two years.
"Hello Cyprian. Kindly help highlight this. Mandamano loading at the office of CS Salim Mvurya, Talanta Plaza. Muhindi, lipa deni. A man called Nuh Ibrahim, the CEO of the Sports Fund, borrowed Ksh 2 million from a young man called Muhsin when he was facing auction. He has never refunded the money. Every time, the CEO promises, "I will pay this month," then later says he will pay the following month. It is now close to two years."
The letter has been served to the Nairobi Regional Police Office and is currently pending approval, with the organizers now awaiting a response from the authorities, while the protest is set to take place at Talanta Plaza, which also houses the office of Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, adding a political dimension to the demonstration.
"Thank you in advance for your cooperation and dedication to upholding our constitutional rights while maintaining law and order," Muhsin concludes in his letter to the police, as the organizers have expressed confidence that the protest will proceed peacefully and have urged the police to facilitate the exercise by providing the required security and traffic management support as guaranteed by the Constitution.
This news outlet will be following the matter closely and will provide comprehensive coverage of the protest and its aftermath.
