There was normalcy in most parts of Machakos as anti-riot officers kept vigil in readiness to counter the anticipated anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrators on Thursday morning.
The Nairobi–Mombasa highway which is usually busy was, however, easy though by press time as few motorists alongside public service vehicles got to Nairobi City Centre.
Businesses were on as usual ranging from shops, to public and private offices, with bodaboda and matatu operators going on with their activities normally.
Police officers kept vigil with high-security surveillance along the highway from Nairobi to Machakos turn–off to ensure that normalcy wasn’t interrupted by the expected demonstrations.
A spot check by the Star, however, established that the number of commuters had reduced thereby equally reducing the number of public service vehicles plying the Machakos routes.
The number of those visiting social joints had also reduced significantly as the majority kept off major towns like Mlolongo, Makutano Junction and Machakos.
Tens of speeding motorcycles with riders and at least two pillion passengers at about 12.30 pm rode into Machakos town from Mtituni general direction as they hooted and chanted.
They were ignored by Kenyans in the town who kept on with their businesses. Not, even, bodaboda operators bothered them.
Most of the towns within the county remained calm with some police chiefs in the areas telling the Star that there was no cause for alarm.
The police bosses said they were ready and equal to the task of ensuring that Kenyans in areas within their jurisdictions of command were not affected.
Police officers were also deployed in security installations, and government officers including the Machakos County Government headquarters and County Assembly of Machakos.
A spot check by the Star also established that a few businesses were closed including banks, supermarkets, and private and county government offices.
