Before Azimio's anticipated protests, there was a significant police presence on Nairobi's main thoroughfares.
After midnight on Sunday, deployments began, with police occasionally setting up roadblocks to check incoming vehicles.
It alarmed a lot of drivers. Operators of matatus ceased operations on various routes.
The Nairobi CBD (Central Business District) was completely empty on Monday as commuters and traders stayed away.
Did you read this?
As early as 5 am, city streets are typically bustling with people going about their daily lives.
Usually crowded locations, including the Kenya National Archives, Afya Center, and the vicinity of the former Hilton hotel, were nearly deserted.
Police officers were on patrol in the streets, ordering any gathering involving more than two people to disperse.
The Juja Road, the Kibera slums, Kawangware, Mathare, Umoja, Buruburu, State House Roads, and roads close to Gikomba, among other routes, were reportedly blocked off by police, according to locals.
Waiyaki Way appeared to operate normally, with matatus and privately owned vehicles travelling to and from the CBD.
A traffic jam near the Museum Exit of the Expressway indicated that some drivers had resorted to utilizing it as a substitute.
The lack of automobiles on the road at 7.40 am, according to Gikomba's merchants, impacted their companies.
Police chiefs stayed late to coordinate the police deployment to guarantee that few or no demonstrators reached the city centre.
Rigathi Gachagua, the vice president, reported that he arrived at his Harambee House Annex office at 5.15 am to prepare for the day's activities after meeting with top police commanders on Sunday evening.
"Good morning, Kenya. As per usual, we are reconstructing our beautiful Nation at 5.15 am today. a happy week is coming".
Rigathi took over after President William Ruto left for a week-long trip to Germany on Sunday morning.
To further demonstrate his strength, Rigathi called a meeting in his office for key police officials, including Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Interior Principal Secretary Ronald Omollo.
Those in the know told me it was an unusual meeting.
On Monday, Koome reassured the locals of their safety and encouraged them to continue their enterprises.
To ensure that individuals organizing the protests are stopped in estates, he claimed to have called in extra police.
The IG declared the protests unlawful and threatened anybody who participated in them with severe punishment.
The opposition has vowed to keep protesting, among other things, against the high cost of living and the lack of inclusivity in the government.
Authorities declared the protests illegal and declined to provide security for them.
-1713443583.jpg)