Azimio demos: Mombasa streets deserted, shops closed as police keep watch

Roads in Mombasa's Central Business District remained deserted with shops closed for the better part of Wednesday morning ahead of expected Azimio demonstrations over the high cost of living.

Police remained vigilant keeping watch and ready to disperse any demonstrators.

The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome declared the demos illegal.

The police warned that no demonstrations would be allowed anywhere within the region.

Azimio leaders in Mombasa led by Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki had notified the Central police station of their planned peaceful demonstration.

However, they were declined a permit on Tuesday.

Mombasa Central Police Station SCS Kipkirui Bor earlier on asked the demonstrators to disperse peacefully saying that demonstrations were not allowed anywhere in Mombasa.

"Yes you have the right to demonstrate, but no demonstration is allowed anywhere in Mombasa," Bor said.

"I urge you to disperse and go home peacefully."

Last week, police in the region had to use teargas to disperse the demonstrators.