Police enhance security measures in Eastleigh as demos resume

Police have significantly bolstered security in Eastleigh within the Kamukunji constituency as the anti-government demonstrations resumed on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Officers now routinely patrol vital areas, including Mohamed Yusuf Haji Street and Second Avenue, ensuring enhanced safety for residents and businesses alike.

Businesses in Eastleigh commenced their operations as usual, with shops and malls opening their doors to customers. Prominent shopping centres such as Bangkok, Amal, Yare, Day to Day, and Tasnim, among others, also maintained their regular operations.

Public transport services, including matatus serving Eastleigh and its surrounding routes, were also fully operational, similar to major restaurants in the area.

The Eastleigh Business District Association's (EBDA), organising secretary, Omar Ahmed, expressed confidence in the security situation while speaking to the Eastleigh Voice. He stated that they did not anticipate any demonstrations or incidents of insecurity in the area. 

"It's business as usual in Eastleigh; shops and malls are open, and as you can see, matatus are also operating. We don't expect any insecurity or demonstrations," he said. 

Omar added that they were prepared to address any potential security issues, although he hoped such incidents would not occur.

Police officers were deployed to Eastleigh in Kamukunji, Nairobi on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 as the anti-government demos resumed (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"We are also ready to deal with any insecurity issues if they arise, but hopefully nothing of that sort will happen. The officers are ready to deal with anyone seen disturbing the peace," Omar noted.

Shopkeepers in Eastleigh, despite acknowledging the heightened security and the operational status of their businesses, reported a lower number of customers compared to usual days. 

Faisal Abdiqani, who sells suits and men's clothing at Yare Plaza, stated that he felt secure but had observed a decline in customer traffic. 

"I opened my shop because demonstrations will not happen around here. We are a peace-loving people. However, the number of customers is low today," said Faisal.

Similarly, Saman Hassan, who operates a shop at Sunrise Shopping Mall, shared Faisal's views and attributed his decision to open his shop to the peaceful environment in Eastleigh. 

"Eastleigh is very peaceful, and unlike last time, no demonstrations will be happening here, and that's why you see everyone carrying on with business," he said.

Fredrick Wambua, a matatu driver on the Kariobangi-Gikomba route through Eastleigh, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the security in Eastleigh compared to other areas. 

"You see, all these matatus are picking customers here, and they are not in any hurry. Eastleigh is more secure than other places we go to," he said. 

However, he noted a significant decrease in passenger numbers. "Other days, a matatu can take a maximum of half an hour to fill, but today I have been here for almost one hour, and you see my matatu is still empty," he added.

Residents remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the district continues to operate smoothly.