City roads, buildings barricaded by cops as Azimio protests

Dozens of police officers camped at different areas in Nairobi as Azimio protesters took to the street in response to Raila Odinga's call for mass action.

A spot check showed armed officers around the Kenyatta International Conventional Centre (KICC) and other areas within the Central Business District (CBD).

Another contingent of police officers was also deployed at Mlango Kubwa, Mathare, Juja Road, Kibera, Thika Road, Jogoo Road and Kamkunji areas.

However, a group of leaders managed to access KICC and addressed supporters before the police arrived and dispersed them.

All roads connecting to the State House were also barricaded including a section of State House road, University Way, Processional way, Arboretum Road and others.

The situation deteriorated when police used tear gas to disperse groups that tried to gather in the city centre.

This prompted running battles. Most shops remained closed in the city centre as many kept off.

Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said most areas were calm.

“Apart from a few areas, we are containing them where they are. We have many personnel there,” he said.

Dozens of people including Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo were arrested outside KICC as chaos broke out.

Police said they will be released on cash bail. There are fears the situation will worsen.

Elsewhere police lobbed tear gas canisters at a group in Kibera slums, Juja Road, Jogoo Road, Thika Road and other roads to disperse them. The group was trying to walk to the city centre.

Some vehicles were damaged in the drama as police drove the group back into the slum.

Azimio group has called the mass protests to protest against among others the high cost of living.

Running battles also broke out between police and Azimio supporters outside KICC. Dozens of protesters chanted Ruto must go slogans as they ran away for their safety.

Most shops were closed from as early as 8 am with chaos reigning. Police said they had arrested dozens of people.