Police reduce security around State House after criticism

Police authorities on Thursday removed roadblocks they had mounted on roads leading to State House in Nairobi ahead of a planned protest by a section of Kenyans over the cost of living.

The move was informed by protests by motorists using the roads and revelations the planners for the mass action were not keen on storming the State House as feared.

The planners said the protests will start at the grassroots before moving to the city at a later date.

A section of Azimio leaders said the responsibility for mobilising mass rallies had been taken away from Azimio’s top brass.

ODM county officials have been tasked with mobilising Kenyans ahead of an announcement on Thursday.

This prompted the police moves, officials said.

Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said they had removed the roadblocks but increased patrols there in case of any plans to stage a protest there.

“Nairobi residents are assured of their safety. We are in charge of their security and have deployed adequately to ensure things are okay. We have removed the roadblocks for now,” Bungei said.

He added State House being a vital installation, there was a need for periodic security checks around.

Some Azimio leaders have complained of police harassment in their estates and city streets.

Others said police had supervised the midnight cutting down of a tree at Jacaranda Grounds as part of efforts to stop crowds from meeting under it.

Dozens of armed police officers on Wednesday laid roadblocks on roads leading to State House in Nairobi ahead of the planned protests.

Police were deployed with spikes at various points on major roads including State House Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way and Dennis Pritt where they briefly stopped and questioned motorists.

The officers said they were then under instructions not to allow the motorcyclists as they could be used to ferry crowds to State House for the protests.

This came even amid confusion on if the planned mass action by Azimio la Umoja leaders would continue.

The 14-day ultimatum issued by the leaders ended Wednesday and there have been meetings to plan the mass action, officials said.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga had said plans for the mass action remained on course.

“We want you to wait for the time. The deadline is on Wednesday at midnight, so you will hear from us on Thursday,” he said.

Raila on February 22, gave the Ruto administration a 14-day ultimatum to address his concerns about the high cost of living, electoral injustice, and skewed sharing of state jobs.

Raila had asked his supporters to stand firm saying upon the expiry, street protests will begin if Ruto fails to heed the demands.

Raila spelt out three demands the Ruto should meet for them to have any talks.

Raila said Ruto must first agree to open the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers.

He went on to say that the head of state should also stop the ongoing recruitment of the IEBC commissioners.

He added Ruto must ensure the cost of living comes down because Kenyans are suffering.

The opposition chief has been leading a series of anti-government rallies countrywide.

The Azimio group has held anti-government rallies in Kamukunji, Jacaranda and Jevanjee gardens in Nairobi.

They also held rallies in Machakos, Kisumu, Busia, Kisii and Kakamega.

Ruto says he will remain unshaken and continue serving Kenyans.