- Motorists were complaining as buses full of people were forced to turn back.
- Businesses in the area operated with residents largely maintaining peace
Image: PERPETUA ETYANG
Police have blocked motorists from heading to Nairobi CBD from Thika Road.
They directed motorists heading to Nairobi CBD to turn around at the Roysambu roundabout.
Buses full of people from Thika, Ruiru and Githurai were seen approaching the area.
However, boda boda operators were allowed to pass the barricade.
Motorists were complaining as buses full of people were forced to turn back.
Businesses in the area operated with residents largely maintaining peace.
The Thursday demonstrations are expected to be the "mother of all protests' which began on June 18, 2024.
Kenyans have come out to stage protests in various towns across the country.
Protesters arrived in Nairobi CBD in the morning to participate in the anticipated demonstrations.
Police arrested some nane nane protesters along Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi. They were bundled into a standby police vehicle.
There was heavy deployment of anti-riot police officers in the city.
On Tuesday, acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli assured of the police's preparedness to maintain peace across the country.
The police boss said Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate peacefully but officers will not hesitate to engage individuals who will be out to cause chaos.
Masengeli said whereas citizens have rights to demonstrate and hold public processions, Article 24 (1) (d) of the constitution calls for “the need to ensure that the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and fundamental freedoms of others”.
“In brief, all those planning to exercise their rights of participating in public demonstrations, presenting petitions or assembling should do so in compliance with the attendant laws.”
Masengeli said past protests have been peaceful before they were infiltrated by goons.