Heavy security presence in Nairobi ahead of demos

Tension is simmering in Nairobi city following anticipation of demos that have commenced in other parts of the country.

The city centre is dotted with heavy security presence with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers lining up along Langata Road and major access ways into the Central Business District.

Similarly, Parliament Road is out of bounds after Tuesday, June 25, 2024, protests turned deadly when police opened fire after demonstrators breached security walls to gain access into the legislative houses.

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Parliament orderlies barred the press and members of the public from accessing Parliament even as MPs approved the decision by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to deploy the military in the streets.

In Nairobi, armoured military personnel carriers were seen making their way from Lang’ata barracks to Nyayo stadium ahead of the anticipated protests in the city.

Several businesses remained closed for the better part of Thursday, June 27, 2024, morning, with all of the city roads having major police presence.

Major access roads towards and from State House have been blocked with rings of security officers and a host of the Kenya Defence Forces soldiers.

In their seven days of rage, demonstrators planned to mobilize at least a million people to march into the highly-guarded President’s address to submit their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.

However, major names in the planning of the demonstrations have warned Kenyans against marching to the State House, saying the move could be interpreted as a coup.

“Please do not march to State House Let’s honour our fallen comrades, come out in large numbers and donate blood at KNH. The damage is a lot already let’s take care of the ones we have now. Please do not march to the State House,” Hanifa Farsafi said.

The former Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman Mohammed Hersi has also called on the protesters against proceeding with the planned demos, stating that the decision by President Ruto to climb down was a big enough win.

“Kenya is special. Kenya is not your ordinary African country. Kenya is a land of rule of law. Any march to the state house with a view of removing a duly elected government is considered a coup, and it will not end well,” Hersi noted.

Protests have started in various Counties including Mombasa, Kisumu and Migori counties.

 

source