Jeevanjee Gardens sealed off, heavy police presence in Nairobi CBD

The famous Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi has been sealed off from members of the public who usually frequent the public park in the heart of the city.

Instead, a number of anti-riot police have been stationed inside the park along Muindu Mbingu to keep anyone from accessing it.

Some members of the public who arrived at the park as early as 8am were forced to sit on the low concrete fence around the garden.

A spot check by The Standard established that only those checking in public toilets and smoking zones are allowed for a few minutes before being escorted out.

"The officers arrived around 7am and no one has been allowed in, it is the first time this week that the officers have taken over the garden," Anthony Muli, a hawker around the park stated.

While police have been patrolling the City Centre since the first day anti-government protest on Wednesday, it is believed the garden was sealed off.

This is after it was listed among the places where protestors would converge on the final day of the anti-government protest, alongside Imara Daima grounds in Embakasi South and Kamukunji grounds in Kibera.

Notably, there is still a heavy presence of police in the uptown while most parts of the city remain calm with almost normal activities resuming.

Central Police boss Dorris Kemie told The Standard, police were deployed not only to watch the situation but also to ensure traders are not interrupted.

"So far, we have not heard of any incident at the city centre, and we appeal to the traders to come out and operate as usual," she stated

"Kenyans of goodwill know that the only way to survive is observing peace. On our side, we will deal with those who will try to disrupt their businesses."

She noted that the presence of troops from NYS has played a big role in ensuring that normalcy returns within the city centre.