Heightened security around Parliament, city roads closed ahead of Ruto's address
In anticipation of possible anti-government protests, police occupied Uhuru Highway after some activists expressed intentions to hold public demonstrations.
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.
More To Read
- Ruto defends China trade relations amid US Senate scrutiny of Kenya’s global ties
- Ruto’s top diplomat in Geneva under fire over Sh2.5 million housing lease
- For Harambee Stars Sh600 million CHAN pledge, Ruto to pay Sh530 million out of pocket - PS Mwangi
- Ruto nominates Duncan Ojwang’ to chair Kenya Human Rights Commission
- French Cabinet reviews bill to speed up artefact returns to Africa
- US moves to reassess Kenya's designation as major non-NATO ally
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.
A police lorry blocks the junction of Uhuru Highway and Parliament Road on November 21, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
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.
Police officers on Parliament Road on November 21, 2024, ahead of President William Ruto's State of the Nation address. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
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".
Top Stories Today
