Police mount roadblocks on major Nairobi roads in anticipation of protests

Police Thursday mounted roadblocks on major roads and streets in and around Nairobi as part of efforts to address threats by protesters to occupy major installations.

Along the Thika superhighway, one of the major roads leading to the city, a police check was spotted by motorists.

Along Jogoo Road, a road block was mounted at City Stadium.

The protesters are demanding among others major reforms to enhance good governance.

In reaction to the protest calls, anti-riot police were deployed to roads around State House in Nairobi and other State Lodges.

Newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries, their families and friends had to go through thorough security checks as they headed to the State House on Thursday morning for the planned swearing-in ceremony.

More personnel erected roadblocks on highways leading to the city as part of a precaution against the threat.

Even though police said they do not anticipate bigger crowds, they said more attention was being paid to towns around Nairobi where criminal gangs may take advantage to attack and loot.

These include Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Machakos, Githurai, Juja, Ruiru, Waiyaki Way, Roysambu and other surrounding areas.

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said they have deployed enough personnel to address the threats.

The deployment will be done in major towns.

This followed days of planning, he said.

“We are set and we urge all to be peaceful if they decide to protest. We will deal with criminals,” he said.

Witnesses said there were movements of anti-riot personnel on Nairobi-Namanga highway and Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

The routes have in the past been affected by the protests and hence disrupted crucial traffic flow.

Most higher learning institutions have postponed planned examinations as a precaution to the protests.

Police commanders had been summoned to Nairobi to plan on how to address the issue, if and when it happens.

The strategy is to disperse any gathering.

In Nairobi, anti-riot teams were deployed braving the morning cold experienced.

Most shops remained closed by 7.30 am as few people streamed into the city.

Masengeli Wednesday warned that the planned anti-government demonstrations dubbed '#NaneNaneMarch' could be infiltrated by goons, threatening the country's security.

He however said they have mobilized enough personnel to deal with any such situation.

“Already, our intelligence reports indicate that there are heightened security threats to the country, with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes. In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of security personnel.”

“However, members of public are advised to take extra caution while in crowded areas that are likely to turn riotous,” he said.

Masengeli said police will not hesitate to engage the marauders out to cause chaos.

He said Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate peacefully.

“In brief, all those planning to exercise their rights of participation in public demonstrations, presenting petitions or assembling should do so in compliance with the attendant laws,” he said.

He said past protests have been peaceful before they were infiltrated by goons.

“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” he said.

He 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”.

While urging members of the public to exercise vigilance during the protests, Masengeli cautioned protesters against trespassing on protected land like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and State House.

"All those planning to exercise their rights of participation in the protests should do so in compliance with the law," he said.

"Kenya (as a) country is all we have. Every one of us therefore has a responsibility to keep our country safe."

He spoke at his office when he briefed the media on their plans to address the planned protests.

Masengeli said security will be heightened across the country though not to an extent that is out of the ordinary.

Police have been condemned on how they handled the past protests which left more than 60 people dead and 400 wounded.

Most of the victims were killed by the police.

Masengeli told police on Wednesday to remain focused on discharging their Constitutional mandate which is to protect life and property, maintain law and order, and they should do so without any fear or favour.