- Heavy law enforcement presence has been observed in several streets with anti-riot police being deployed in various strategic areas.
- Millitary trucks have been seen at Nyayo Stadium.
Image: HANDOUT/COURTESY
Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) remained calm Thursday morning ahead of anticipated mass protests against the Finance Bill, 2024.
Most shops in the CBD remained closed with little activity taking place.
The police assured those who opened their businesses of their safety.
Heavy law enforcement presence has been observed in several streets with anti-riot police being deployed in various strategic areas.
Millitary trucks have been seen at Nyayo Stadium.
There had been planned protests on Thursday which aimed at storming some of the protected areas.
Police roadblocks have also been observed along all roads leading to the State House.
The roads affected included Dennis Pritt Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road and adjacent feeder roads.
The police turned away some motorists and pedestrians using the roads.
They asked motorists and pedestrians to identify themselves and their mission there.
Those living near there were asked to either stay indoors or leave and come back in the evening.
President William Ruto declined to sign the bill and asked the Members of Parliament to delete all clauses therein.
Ruto, in the memorandum drawn shortly after he announced the withdrawal cited widespread protests against the bill.
"In exercise of the powers conferred to me by Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, and having reservations on the content of the Bill in its entirety, I decline to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024, and refer the bill for reconsideration by the National Assembly with the recommendation for deletion of the clauses thereof," the memorandum reads.
This means the bill stands withdrawn and the decision can only be overturned by two-thirds of the 349 MPs (233).
The move came after he had met a group of MPs at State House following protests opposed to the proposed taxes.
“I send condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate manner. Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill of 2024, I will decline to assent to the bill,” he said.
Kenyans kept mobilising online with divided opinions on the planned protests on Thursday.