Security heightened in Nairobi ahead of Azimio demos

Security was heightened in Nairobi on Wednesday morning ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations by the opposition.

There was relative calm in the central business district as many shops remained closed while the usual traffic snarl-ups and congestion in the city were not present.

Police officers have also been deployed at key points across the city and roads leading to critical establishments such as the State House Road.

In Kibra, the situation was calm at around half past eight o'clock.

In Kisumu, business premises including supermarkets remained shut in anticipation of the demonstrations while there was minimal activity at the main Kisumu bus park as operators keep off the roads.

There was also a heavy police presence at the Kisumu bus park area, while public offices and schools also remained shut.

In Mombasa, police officers were seen patrolling different areas of the city in the morning led by Central Police Station OCS Kipkirui Bor.

At the same time, activists and human rights defenders led by the Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) group and some citizens had already arrived in ​​the Mapembeni area by 9 am for the protest. The activists pushed for peaceful protests.

Azimio called for protests on grounds that the Kenya Kwanza government has failed to prioritise the plight of Kenyans and instead instituted punitive taxation laws.

On Tuesday, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said the opposition has not presented any official notification to the police on the planned demos, hence the gatherings will be considered illegal.

The IG vowed to use “all lawful means” to disperse any gatherings that will take place on Wednesday.

According to Interior Ministry figures, six people died on Friday during mass protests convened by the opposition team. Scores were also injured and property of unknown value destroyed.

Meanwhile, President Ruto has also fired a warning at the opposition, vowing not to allow any violent protests that pose a threat to the lives of Kenyans.