Sunday, July 6, 2025
Nairobi — (Horn Africa News) —Widespread demonstrations are expected across Kenya tomorrow, Monday, with hundreds of thousands of people anticipated to take to the streets of the capital, Nairobi.
In the past, similar protests have been marred by incidents targeting Somali-owned businesses, particularly in downtown Nairobi.
Somali traders have frequently suffered losses during such unrest, with several of their shops vandalized in previous demonstrations — a situation that continues to fuel deep concern within the Somali community living in the city.
Footage recorded earlier today in central Nairobi showed some Somali business owners hurriedly clearing out their goods from shops in a bid to minimize potential losses should violence erupt during the protests.
Adding to the tension, a video widely circulated on social media this week featured a young Kenyan man alleging that a former Kenyan deputy president is organizing large groups of youth with plans to attack Eastleigh — the Nairobi neighborhood known for its large Somali population.
According to reports circulating locally, the aim of such attacks would be looting and destruction of Somali-owned property.
The Somali community’s fears have been further heightened by the death of a young Somali man during protests on June 25, an incident that has left many feeling vulnerable ahead of tomorrow’s demonstrations.
Community leaders and local authorities have urged Somalis, particularly those living in Eastleigh, to stay away from protest areas and to exercise maximum caution. Residents are being advised to remain indoors and avoid locations where violence may break out in order to stay safe.
