A contingent of Recce squad officers was seen in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) during the ongoing countrywide protests.
The heavily armed special unit officers were seen patrolling the CBD on Tuesday, July 2 afternoon.
This came as the situation within the heart of Kenya’s capital worsened due to continued clashes between protesters who had taken to the streets, and police.
The protests witnessed a brief moment of drama with preliminary reports indicating that the Recce squad officers were deployed to flush out a suspected shooter who had allegedly shot an officer from atop a building.
The sniper was reported to have been taking aim within the second floor of Hamburg House building which is located along Tom Mboya Street.
In photos seen by The Kenya Times, the heavily armed officers were seen outside the building which also houses a Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branch in Nairobi.
Chris Sambu, a witness at the scene reported that the Recce officers stormed the bank where they were involved in an undisclosed operation.
According to the reports, the officers stormed in and left within a short period of time in secrecy.
“There has been a scene at KCB Bank building along Moi Avenue. Recce unit involved in the 20mins operation. Unit of officers stormed in and left in secrecy as they camouflaged the operation,” said Sambu who also shared a video.
Also Read: Live Updates: Private Citizens Shoots 3 in Mombasa Amid Protests
Recce Squad Officers in Nairobi CBD
In the video, several National Police Service (NPS) officers in blue uniforms are also seen outside the bank holding their guns.
Another video showed more than 6 officers from the Special Operations Unit (OSU) donning their camouflaged uniforms outside the bank.
The witness said that police officers noticed gun shots coming from the top of the building, allegedly shooting an officer.
According to him, this prompted Recce squad officers backed by select OSU officers to arrive at the scene.
He further said that no gunshots were heard and that the officers left after a brief moment.
In the said 20-minute period, the special operations officers upon gaining entry flushed out the armed man who was believed to be atop the building when the alleged incident took place.
However, the NPS had not yet confirmed the operation and the reason behind the officers storming the bank.
Also Read: Duale Outlines Duration and Counties KDF Will be Deployed
Nationwide protests
Earlier, a contingent of Recce squad officers had been deployed to restore order in Mlolongo after protesters chanting anti-government and anti-Ruto slogans blocked Nairobi Expressway at Mlolongo footbridge.
The protests, that were initially against the Finance Bill 2024, continued on Tuesday, July 2 in various parts of the country.
In a seven-day plan issued earlier, the protesting youth asked Kenyans of all ages to occupy all the roads in the country in solidarity and sit down.
Hundreds of youths turned up in Nairobi and other regions for the protests, engaging with police in running battles and chanting ‘Ruto must go’.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights announced that 39 people have been killed and 361 injured since the protests began on June 18.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
