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Common mistakes Kenyans make during maandamano
20th April, 2026 05:31 PM
If the planned maandamano over the cost of living goes ahead in Kenya, many people are likely to find themselves caught in the melee for different reasons.
Some will be heading to work, others going home. Some will be in town running errands, while others may simply be curious and want to see what is happening.
The problem is that many step into such days with an ordinary mindset, yet the streets are no longer ordinary.
What looks calm can change very fast. One minute, people are standing and talking, the next minute, everyone is running. A road that seemed clear can suddenly fill with smoke, stones or confusion.
That is why many people find themselves in trouble without ever planning to be part of it.
Assuming you are innocent
This catches many people. Someone may believe that because they are smartly dressed, carrying office documents or just standing quietly, the police or the crowd will automatically know they are innocent.
But during chaos, nobody has time to study your character.
People respond to movement, fear and what is happening in the moment.
If others are running and you remain there trying to show you are different, you may still be caught in the same situation.
Sometimes moving away early is wiser than trying to explain yourself later.
Ignoring face masks/water
Many people only realise this when tear gas has already been fired.
A simple face mask can help when smoke spreads. Water can help wash your face or ease irritation in the eyes.
These are small things, but on such days they matter.
You may never need them, but if you do, you will be glad you carried them.
Playing journalist role
The moment anything happens, phones come out. People want to record police, crowds, smoke, chants and drama for status updates or social media.
But while your eyes are on the screen, someone else may be watching your phone. Thieves know distracted people are easier targets.
Goons also move where confusion exists, and before you blink, your phone is gone.
Not every scene needs you in front of a camera.
Wearing the wrong shoes
Some people leave home in slippers, heels or shoes made for comfort indoors, then end up walking long distances or running unexpectedly.
On protest days, simple, comfortable shoes can save you a lot of stress.
Sometimes what protects you is not money or strength, but just being able to move well.
Carrying too many valuables
There are days to move with laptops, jewellery, large cash and expensive gadgets. A tense protest day may not be one of them.
If something goes wrong, replacing lost valuables becomes another problem after the day is over.
Carry what you truly need and leave the rest where it is safe.
Following crowds without thinking
When one person runs, ten others often run too.
Sometimes there is real danger ahead. Sometimes it is panic only. If you follow every crowd blindly, you may run into trouble you had avoided.
It helps to stay alert, observe and think before joining amovement.
Many people do not suffer during maandamano because they were protesting. They suffer because they underestimated the day.
Thinking innocence will protect you, forgetting basics, filming everything, wearing poor shoes, carrying valuables or following crowds carelessly can turn a normal outing into a hard experience.
On such days, common sense is one of the best things to carry.
