NAIROBI, Kenya July 12 – Nairobi was largely deserted Wednesday, with most businesses closed due to planned demonstrations called by Azimio leader Raila Odinga and other civil society groups to protest the high cost of living.
In the Central Business District, only a few businesses were opened with less foot traffic on the streets and heavy police patrols, some on horseback.
The situation was the same in downtown which is usually congested
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has banned any form of protests or demonstrations and gatherings and ordered police to disperse groups.
“Consequently, and in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that in the absence of notifications by planners of any demonstrations as a legal prerequisite to enable Police provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public, Police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations,” he said.
On July 7, Azimio leader Raila Odinga announced more protests in the country following what he described a “successful mission” during the coalition’s inaugural protest on the same day.
Odinga said he was happy that his supporters were brave enough to march to the Nairobi Central Business District from Kamukunji where he addressed a rally.
“We made a major achievement because we were able to access the CBD even though police tried to stop us,” he said, declaring: “We are unstoppable.”
Police lobbed teargas to disperse a crowd that was following him from Kamukunji where he was accompanied by dozens of other opposition leaders.
Six people were killed in last week’s protests, all shot dead by police in Kisumu and Kisii.
On Wednesday, streets in Kisii town were deserted with heavy security patrols.
In Mombasa, a group of demonstrators converged in town that was equally deserted. Heavy police presence was visible.
