Roads to State House blocked, security heightened ahead of protests

Police officers camp at Zion Mall area in Eldoret town. The CBD remained calm with people going about their businesses. [Lynn Kolongei, Standard]

Anti-riot police have blocked key roads leading to State House, Nairobi, in anticipation of planned protests today.

A spot check by The Standard established that all roads leading to State House have been barricaded and are being manned by armed police officers. The affected roads include Valley Road, Processional Way, and Dennis Pritt Road.

As of 10.00am on Thursday, June 27, only a handful of businesses were open, and few motorists were seen within the Central Business District.

By mid-day, there was a heavy police presence around the Supreme Court, City Hall, and Nyayo Stadium in anticipation of the protests.

Parliament Road has also been cordoned off, with anti-riot police denying access even to journalists.

Protesters, who had planned to march to the city center to mourn those killed during Tuesday's anti-Finance Bill demos, before heading to State House, began gathering early Thursday morning.

The hashtag #OccupyStateHouse trended for most of Wednesday as various contributors on X Spaces discussed and confirmed their attendance, despite President William Ruto's refusal to sign the Finance Bill passed by Parliament.

In Migori town, police engaged youths in running battles after protesters lit bonfires and charged at patrolling officers. The police dispersed them using teargas canisters.

In Mombasa and Nakuru counties, there is relative calm as heavily armed police officers guard state lodges and patrolled the towns.