Nairobi turned a ghost town with road blockades, business closure in marking June 25 protests victims memorial

Roadblocks have been mounted across the major roads leading to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and key installations notably to State House and Parliament by the police in a move to curb protesters marking the first anniversary of the young people killed during the 2024 June civilian insurrection that culminated to invasion of parliament buildings demanding for better governance, favourable tax policies and an end to corruption.

A spot Check by The Informer Media Group this morning revealed multiple road cordons leading to State House and Parliament using razor wire rendering the areas inaccessible to road users.

Further, there is heightened deployment of anti-riot police officers around Parliament with police water cannons strategically stationed outside the Bunge Towers.

The Supreme Court area has also recorded a huge number of anti-riot officers.

Officers in full gear have been stationed along Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and around the National Archives area, although no crowd activity had been observed by the time of reporting.

Few pedestrians have been seen walking along the various streets of the City.

Key roads affected include Jogoo Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, Kiambu Road, and Mombasa Road.

On Jogoo Road, a road Block has been erected at the City Stadium Roundabout.

On Limuru Road, the police have blocked the road near the Israel Embassy, while on Kiambu Road, a roadblock has been placed near the Runda Mall.

For Mombasa Road, the road block has been placed near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Transport has also been paralyzed along Ngong Road as police officers have been reported temporarily stopping motorists as those headed to the City Centre were forced to alight for a security check, while drivers are being asked to produce their requisite documents.

The traffic checks are believed to be part of the government’s efforts to manage the protests, which are being held to mark one year since the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations that led to the deaths of 63 young Kenyans, while dozens are reported still missing.

The intensified security comes even as the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had earlier warned that any acts of civil disobedience would be addressed within the confines of the law.

“As we exercise our rights, let us remember: Kenya is our homeland. We only have this country. Let us protect it,” he stated.

Yesterday, President William Ruto expressed his support for the police and warned that anyone intimidating officers would face consequences, though he made no mention of justice for the victims of last year’s deadly protests.

With tensions running high, many Kenyans are hoping that this year’s demonstrations will remain peaceful and free of bloodshed.