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Cat and mouse in central Nairobi
16.01.2008
By Noel Mwakugu - BBC News, Nairobi
Heavy rains overnight and into the early hours almost dampened the
spirit of Kenya's opposition Orange Democratic Movement supporters
gearing up for mass protests in the capital, Nairobi.
But by mid-morning the skies were clear and the dress code of most
of the opposition leaders at their Nairobi headquarters was a
telling sign that they were ready to march.
ODM leader Raila Odinga, who believes he was cheated of the
presidency by his bitter rival Mwai Kibaki, was in his customary
cap, leather jacket and light shoes.
While Charity Ngilu, the former health minister and top member of
the party, in her headscarf and trainers, was ready to set the
pace on the streets.
Over in the central business district armed riot police patrolled
the streets in a show of might, ready for any potential combat.
Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe maintained that protesters would
not be allowed into the central Uhuru Park, where the banned rally
was set to take place.
For the better part of the morning, business continued as usual in
many parts of the city, although very few people reported to duty
for fear of trouble.
With the images of 29 December's post-election violence still
fresh in their minds, some parents also chose not to send their
children to school, only two days after they re-opened.
Come 1300 local time, chaos did erupt as the ODM leaders and a
clutch of their supporters made a tactical attempt to get to Uhuru
Park.
Policemen were taken by surprise as they approached from different
corners - seeming to confuse them.
Within seconds, the whole central district was engulfed in a white
tear gas and almost everyone was in tears as the police moved
quickly to counter the protesters.
Helter-skelter, the politicians and young men, who had been
chanting slogans, scattered in the smoke - running to nearby shops
for safety.
The lucky ones dashed into their vehicles and sped off.
Then began a game of hide and seek, as anti-riot policemen sought
out ODM supporters.
Journalists who had kept vigil at the entrance to Uhuru Park were
not spared either - police on guard, seemingly irritated by their
presence, lobbed tear gas canisters at them in a vain attempt to
disperse them.
Transport paralysed
Across the city in Kibera, a stronghold of the ODM party, some
youths barricaded the roads leading to the slum after police
stopped them from heading into the city.
Frustrated, the ODM supporters threw stones at police officers,
provoking them to open fire. At least two female vendors were
seriously injured by stray bullets.
By late afternoon, public transport in and out the city had been
paralysed, as police had completely sealed off the business
district to traffic, and minibus owners did not want to risk
damage to their vehicles.
Many workers left their offices about three hours early to begin
the long trek home on foot.
Despite Wednesday's confrontations, ODM leaders insist their
protest will continue for another two days across the country.
"Through parliament, peaceful people power and international
mediation, ODM will ensure that Kenya returns to legitimate rule,"
Mr Odinga declared.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7192685.stm
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