This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On Monday, October 7, 2019, chaos erupted in Mombasa as police engaged protesters in running battles.
The protests were sparked by the government's decision to give the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) a monopoly on cargo transportation at the Mombasa port.
Despite the government announcing the suspension of an order directing all cargo to be transported via the SGR, transporters were reportedly denied access to the port to identify the cargo they would wish to transport.
At least 13 protesters were arrested at the Nyali Bridge, including truck drivers and activists from human rights organizations in Mombasa.
"Once you infringe the right of others then you are conducting an illegal demo," said Nyali Sub County Police Commander Simon Thirikwa, who termed the demo as illegal.
The arrested demonstrators will be charged with taking part in an unlawful protest, according to police.
On Thursday, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho met with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and other port stakeholders, resulting in the suspension of the order giving SGR a monopoly on cargo transportation.
However, transporters termed the move as a 'public relation' exercise, saying they were still blocked from accessing the port.
