Deserted streets with businesses closed in major towns over Azimio demonstrations
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Nairobi and major towns largely deserted with businesses closed as police patrol streets due to planned Azimio demonstrations
Nairobi and major towns largely deserted with businesses closed as police patrol streets due to planned Azimio demonstrations.
Nairobi was largely deserted Wednesday, with most businesses closed due to planned demonstrations called by Azimio leader Raila Odinga and other civil society groups to protest the high cost of living.
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.
Security was heightened in Nairobi on Wednesday morning ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations by the opposition.
Police were deployed at key points across the city and roads leading to critical establishments such as the State House Road.
In Kisumu, business premises remained shut in anticipation of the demonstrations while there was minimal activity at the main Kisumu bus park as operators keep off the roads.
In Mombasa, a group of demonstrators converged in town that was equally deserted. Heavy police presence was visible.
Residents in Nyeri County also took to the streets to protest against the high cost of living with Public Service Vehicles withdrawing their Matatus from the roads.
Heavy police presence was deployed to Wote town in Makueni County in anticipation of anti-government protests led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
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Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome banned any form of protests or demonstrations and gatherings and ordered police to disperse groups.
“Consequently, and in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that in the absence of notifications by planners of any demonstrations as a legal prerequisite to enable Police to provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public, Police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations,” he said.
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.
On July 7, Azimio leader Raila Odinga announced more protests in the country following what he described a “successful mission” during the coalition’s inaugural protest on the same day.
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