NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities braced for impact Thursday as heavy police deployment and roadblocks were set up in response to Nane Nane protests.
The “Nane Nane March” demonstrations have drawn significant attention due to the heightened security measures and concerns over potential violence.
In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and several other key towns, police established roadblocks and conducted passenger checks to isolate protesters and prevent disruptions.
The measures followed threats by demonstrators planning to occupy critical installations including the State House.
Roadblocks were strategically placed on major routes including the Thika Superhighway and along Jogoo Road at City Stadium, while anti-riot police were stationed around State House and other State Lodges.
The security around these locations was particularly tight, with newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries and their families subjected to rigorous checks ahead of a scheduled swearing-in ceremony.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli emphasized the extensive planning and deployment of personnel to manage the situation.
“We are set and urge all to be peaceful if they decide to protest. We will deal with criminals,” Masengeli stated.
He acknowledged the heightened security threats and assured that enough officers were in place to address any disturbances.
The impact of the security measures was immediately evident. Many businesses chose to remain closed out of fear of potential violence and destruction, mirroring the caution observed in past protests.
Traffic flow was disrupted as roadblocks and police checks were implemented on key highways, including the Nairobi-Namanga and Nairobi-Nakuru routes, which have historically been affected by similar unrest.
Police were also vigilant in surrounding towns, such as Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Machakos, and Githurai, where there were concerns about criminal gangs taking advantage of the situation.
The deployment aimed to prevent these areas from becoming hotspots for looting and violence.
As the protests unfolded, anti-riot teams braved the morning chill while most shops remained shuttered by early morning. Higher learning institutions postponed examinations as a precautionary measure, reflecting the widespread impact of the unrest.
Masengeli’s warnings about potential infiltration by criminal elements seeking to exploit the protests further underscored the tense atmosphere.
“Our intelligence reports indicate heightened security threats, with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes,” he warned.
With police commanders closely monitoring the situation and a strategy in place to disperse any large gatherings, Kenya’s cities remain on high alert.
The country watches anxiously as the “Nane Nane March” unfolds, with hopes that the security measures will mitigate further escalation.
