Tight security ahead of Ruto address

Parliament was under tight security Thursday morning following the deployment of police officers ahead of President William Ruto's address on Thursday.

However, heavy rains that were experienced in parts of Nairobi at some point forced security teams deployed to roads near Parliament to retreat for shelter.

The security barricaded some roads including Parliament Road and Harambee Avenue as part of plans to host President William Ruto.

Ruto is expected to address the bicameral House to outline his achievements and goals set.

Security was heightened in the city after groups threatened to stage protests against what they term poor governance.

National Police Service said they will not allow such protests in the city.

This saw more deployment of personnel on the streets and in particular around Parliament.

Police said they demolished several billboards erected by the organizers of the protests overnight.

They were erected at various junctions.

Police cautioned members of the public against staging or taking part in any protests on Thursday when Ruto is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.

Spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango said the police had not been formally notified by the supposed organizers as required by the Public Order Act. 

The caution follows reports circulating on social media about possible demonstrations linked to growing political discontent.

  "Attention of the National Police Service (NPS) is drawn to information circulating about planned demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024, through social media. NPS further acknowledges the Constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceably and while unarmed, assemble, picket, demonstrate or present petitions to public Offices," reads a statement in part.

“In exercise of these rights, the law places a responsibility on organizers to notify the Regulating Officer (Officer Commanding Station) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance, specifying the details of the planned meeting. This requirement is intended to ensure that proper safety and security measures are put in place by Police during public demonstrations,” she said.

“To date, no such requisite notification by any organizer/planner has been issued to the Regulating Officer,” the NPS noted, urging citizens to continue their daily activities without fear of disruption," added the statement.

Thus, the police service urged the public to go on with their daily activities without fear.