Anti-riot
police braced the morning breeze to block major roads leading to the State House,
Nairobi, ahead of the start of the anniversary of the June 25 protests.
The team
stopped and questioned motorists and pedestrians headed to the house on the hill.
This is part of the strategies to stop any planned march to the State House, officials
said.
The personnel
used razor wire on some routes to block the roads.
More personnel
were also positioned around the Parliament Building to stop any strangers from going
there.
Some motorists complained police had turned them back on major roads.
This came
as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen patrolled parts of the city to
assess the situation.
Murkomen, accompanied by some top police commanders, said he wanted to assess the
situation.
He also
visited the office of the Inspector General at Jogoo House.
Most businesses
remained closed in the city as many premises feared the wrath of the protesters.
City
Hall recalled some of their workers in the inspectorate department to supplement
the planned operations. They were all ordered to be in uniforms.
In Kitengela, officials said they dispersed a group that had gathered as early as 7 am.
Police had assured of security ahead of the event.
Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja on Tuesday warned against an attempt to access unauthorized and protected places like Parliament and State House. He said the protesters planning marches on June 25 should avoid the areas.
He urged the protesters to operate within the law while protesting, citing that the officers will remain vigilant.
“Additionally, it is important to note that unauthorized persons must refrain from accessing protected areas, under the Protected Areas Act (Cap 204, Laws of Kenya),” he said.
This came as it emerged police plan to restrict
the protesters from accessing Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, which will
marks the first anniversary of last year’s similar protests.
Access to State House will also not be allowed to unauthorised people, police said.
Kanja said the Constitution, under Article 37, guarantees every person the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.
He assured the police of unwavering support as they execute their mandate, as guided by the constitution. His address came ahead of the planned protests.
Many businesses will remain closed for the day.
The police have assured that both demonstrators and non-demonstrators will be protected during the protests meant to mark the one-year anniversary of the Gen Z protests on June 25, 2024.
