A section of Mombasa residents today, May 17, 2021, took to the streets to protest the attacks on Gaza, Palestine.
Police in the county were, however, on high alert, keeping a watch n the protestors to ensure calm, and adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols.
Mombasa Sub-County commander warmed the hearts of many, as he talked down the protestors, noting that they have a constitutional right to protest.
"Kenya is a free country, and demonstrations are legal. We are not happy with what is happening in Gaza because we have friends and relatives there, and nobody would like to lose a life.
Read More
"Demonstrations are meant to raise a voice, but the extent of what we are doing is the work of diplomats. Our leaders will hold talks to help resolve the matter," he said.
He pleaded with the protestors to retreat from the protests, urging them to adhere to safety guidelines issued by the government in the fight against the pandemic.
"I am your brother, and I respect you. I have been sent to quash this protest, but I have come peacefully. I don't have a gun or baton. So, kindly go back to your work stations so that I can protect you while you are there," he added.
Though, hesitantly, the protestors retreated to their day's activities, chanting messages condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza.
BBC on Saturday, May 15, reported that the attack on Gaza (a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest) comes after weeks of escalating Israeli-Palestinian tension in East Jerusalem which led to clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews.
According to the British media house, Hamas-the militant group that governs Gaza, started launching rockets after warning Israel to withdraw from the site, triggering retaliatory air strikes.
Aljazeera today reported that the death toll in Gaza has risen to 113, as Kenya, the US and several other nations have called for a truce between the two neighbours.
