On Thursday, police set up roadblocks on major roads and streets in and around Nairobi in response to threats from protesters planning to occupy key installations. The protesters are demanding significant reforms to improve governance.
In anticipation of the protests, anti-riot police were deployed around State House in Nairobi and other State Lodges.
Newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries, their families, and friends underwent thorough security checks as they headed to State House for a swearing-in ceremony.
Additional personnel established roadblocks on highways leading into the city as a precaution. Although police do not expect large crowds, they are paying extra attention to towns around Nairobi, such as Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Machakos, Githurai, Juja, Ruiru, Waiyaki Way, Roysambu, and other nearby areas, where criminal gangs may exploit the situation to attack and loot.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli stated that enough personnel had been deployed to address the threats. This deployment followed days of planning and includes major towns.
“We are set and we urge all to be peaceful if they decide to protest. We will deal with criminals,” Masengeli said.
Witnesses reported movements of anti-riot personnel on the Nairobi-Namanga and Nairobi-Nakuru highways, which have previously been affected by protests, disrupting traffic flow.
Many higher learning institutions have postponed planned examinations as a precaution. Police commanders were summoned to Nairobi to strategize on how to manage the situation if it occurs. The plan involves dispersing any gatherings.
In Nairobi, anti-riot teams were deployed in the early morning despite the cold weather. By 7:30 am, most shops remained closed, with few people entering the city.
Masengeli warned on Wednesday that the planned anti-government demonstrations, dubbed '#NaneNaneMarch', could be infiltrated by goons, posing a threat to national security. However, he assured that sufficient personnel had been mobilized to handle any issues.
“Intelligence reports indicate heightened security threats, with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes. We have ensured adequate deployment of security personnel,” he said.
Masengeli advised the public to be cautious in crowded areas that might turn riotous. He stressed that police would not hesitate to engage those causing chaos, and citizens are free to demonstrate peacefully within the law.
He noted that while citizens have the right to protest, Article 24 (1) (d) of the Constitution requires that this does not infringe on the rights and freedoms of others.
Masengeli cautioned protesters against trespassing on protected areas like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and State House. "Everyone has a responsibility to keep our country safe," he said.
He made these remarks during a media briefing on the planned protests. Masengeli assured that security would be heightened across the country, though not excessively.
Police have faced criticism for their handling of past protests, which resulted in over 60 deaths and 400 injuries, mostly caused by police actions.
Masengeli urged police on Wednesday to focus on their Constitutional mandate to protect life and property, and maintain law and order, without fear or favor.
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