Police in Nairobi heightened security on Thursday, tightening measures on all routes leading to the City’s Central Business District (CBD) to prevent protesters from gathering ahead of the much-anticipated ‘Nane Nane’ demonstrations.
Footage and images obtained by Waza showed major roads blocked by barricades to stop protesters from entering the CBD. From Mombasa Road to Thika Road and Jogoo Road, armed police officers set up roadblocks, inspecting vehicles and preventing some, including public service vehicles (PSVs), from entering the city center.
A roadblock was established at the GM roundabout on Mombasa Road, while other officers guarded the Bunyala Roundabout, blocking motorists from accessing the Nairobi CBD. Along Jogoo Road, armed police patrolled various sections, with a roadblock set up on Manyanja Road to prevent youths from leaving Kayole Estate.
Juja Road, which connects to Thika Road, was blocked for most of the day, with matatus barred from heading towards the city center.
Inside the CBD, police officers cleared the area, causing businesses to close and public service vehicles to leave.
The situation remained tense throughout Thursday, with police using teargas to disperse protesters and making more arrests as the demonstrations continued.
Acting police chief Gilbert Masengeli had warned on Wednesday that "criminals" might infiltrate the demonstrations, advising the public to avoid protected zones like the main international airport and President Ruto's official residence, and to exercise caution in crowded areas.
