NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7-Police have intensified patrols in different parts of the country including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Nakuru ahead of the anti-government rally in Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds Friday.
Roadblocks have been set up on key routes leading to State House in Nairobi with heavy security presence.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is expected to hold a major rally at the Kamukunji grounds later Friday, to rally Kenyans for protests against the high cost of living.
Azimio La Umoja Coalition and groups of civil societies have called for protests on Friday July 7 to mark Saba Saba Day, which is usually associated with the struggle for multiparty system.
Rain and heavy presence of police greeted the start of planned Saba Saba events in Nairobi on Friday morning.
Odinga has constantly criticised the government of President William Ruto, accusing it of failing to consider the plight of Kenyans, particularly after the Finance Bill was passed paving the way for increased commodity prices, including fuel.
“We will have a major rally at the Kamukunji grounds, and I am calling on as many Kenyans to attend so that we can decide our destiny,” Odinga said.
Police said Friday they had given the organisers of the Saba meeting a go ahead on their planned meeting.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said they had allowed the organisers of the events to hold them at Kamkunji Grounds.
He however said that the protestors will not be allowed to carry out street protests and destruction of property.
“Their meeting at Kamkunji Grounds is allowed and they can proceed. They are not allowed to hold street protests,” he said.
On Friday morning pockets of violence was witnessed in different parts of the city including Mathare area and Thika Road where police dispersed rowdy youth taking part in the protests.
