Police to be on standby ahead of Supreme Court ruling on Friday

Kenya Administative Police officers patrol Nairobi's Wabera street that is blocked from access by members of Public. Major roads surrounding the Supreme Court of Kenya have been blocked following the hearing of the Presidential Petition. [Photo/Elvis Ogina/Standard]

Police have been ordered to conduct riot drills ahead of Supreme Court ruling of the presidential petition on Friday.

Commanders in specific parts of the country have also been ordered to recall juniors who are on leave or off duty.

"You are also instructed to continue with riot drill practices so that we can be ready for any eventuality," read an internal memo sent to commanders.

Officers were also instructed to ensure all police officers of all ranks remain at their respective work stations during and after the ruling.

Other officers said the move is aimed at containing any form of violence that may erupt depending on the nature of ruling that will be issued.

This came as police in Nairobi continued to close parts of the streets near the Supreme Court as the hearing of the petition went on for the fourth day.

As it was Monday, parking attendants said they incurred losses on Tuesday as more than 1,000 vehicles that usually park along the affected streets could not access the parking lots.

City Hall way, Taifa Road and part of Wabera Street remained closed.

The blockade was imposed on Saturday as the petition against the election of President Uhuru Kenyatta started.

Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome said the move was aimed at ensuring judges had a humble environment to make their decisions.

"We don't want the groups to come and disrupt peace. Let them stay away and wait for the outcome," he said.

This was in reaction to a call by NASA leadership to hold a vigil outside the court ahead of the ruling on Friday.