Heightened security around Parliament, city roads closed ahead of Ruto's address

Police in Nairobi have on Thursday blocked all roads leading to Parliament ahead of President William Ruto's State of the Nation address.

Private and public vehicles were prohibited from using Parliament Road even as police lorries and vans were stationed at different positions.

Police officers searched motor vehicles accessing the Parliament’s precincts.

Despite the chilly weather that came with the showers, police kept vigilance to ward off any persons they deemed unauthorised from accessing roads leading to Parliament.

In anticipation of possible anti-government protests, police occupied Uhuru Highway after some activists expressed intentions to hold public demonstrations to voice their displeasure with President Ruto's administration on the day he was poised to address Parliament.

The heightened security came after the National Police Service Wednesday cautioned the public against staging or taking part in any protests on Thursday.

Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango said they had not been formally notified by the supposed organisers of the protests as required by the Public Order Act.

This means no protests would be allowed in the city on Thursday as earlier announced.

In the Nairobi central business district, officers also patrolled on foot while others moved around in cars dispersing any groupings.

The caution against protests followed reports circulating on social media about possible demonstrations linked to growing political discontent.

In a statement, the police spokesperson said no notification had been given by the protest organisers as required by law.

"This requirement is intended to ensure that proper safety and security measures are put in place by police during public demonstrations," Onyango said.

She urged the public to continue with their daily activities "without fear".