Roads to State House blocked, security heightened ahead of protests
National
By
Mate Tongola
| Jun 27, 2024
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.
READ MORE
Ongoing labour unrests are early signs of an economy that's about to collapse
Trailers and weighbridges: The untold story
KTDA moves to restore order in tea bonus declarations
Madagascar tycoon to buy Zuku parent firm Wananchi Group
How container cash deposits are creating a problem for Kenyan traders
Gold rush: How illegal gallbladder trade threatens Lake Victoria fishers
Real estate posts high productivity as challenges hit wholesale, retail sectors
Agencies in fresh plan to market Kenyan coffee
AI-driven smart borders transform travel security
Fresh test for Ruto as IMF urges new tax policies to unlock loans
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.
- Who runs Nairobi? Gachagua, Sakaja engage in war of words
- Cyclone Hidaya: Settlers on Kenyan coast ordered to evacuate immediately
- CS Linturi, PS Ronoh issue contradicting directives on fertilizer sale
- Inside William Ruto's Mercedes-Benz Maybach Pullman