BREAKING NEWS | LIVE 🔴Protests: Police block major roads leading to Nairobi CBD

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Security was heightened in Nairobi on Wednesday morning with police officers blocking major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD) ahead of planned demonstrations.

Public service vehicles (PSVs) were particularly affected with passengers being forced to disembark outside the city centre.
Access to Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue was completely blocked by police, who had erected razor-sharp barbed wire and barricades.

PSVs from Mombasa Road ended their journeys at the Haile Selassie Avenue and Nyayo House roundabouts, while those from Thika Road stopped around Guru Nanak Hospital and Globe Roundabout.

Ladysmith Road, however, remained accessible, with officers redirecting traffic and controlling entry into the city centre. PSVs using Jogoo Road stopped at City Stadium.

There was also tight security around sensitive government installations. Roads leading to State House were barricaded with razor wire and heavily fortified.

Meanwhile, Thika Road remained calm with traffic flowing smoothly. Traffic was also smooth on Wayaki Way in the early morning with officers stationed near the Kangemi footbridge.

A roadblock was set up on Jogoo Road near Makongeni Police Station to restrict movement in the area. Access to Valley Road was also partially blocked near the Department of Defence (DOD) while City Hall Way was closed to traffic.

A heavy police presence was reported in key parts of Nairobi’s CBD ahead of planned protests expected later in the day. Officers in full riot gear were stationed along Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue and around the National Archives where crowds were gathering by around 9am.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen toured the CBD as security agencies increased surveillance in anticipation of nationwide protests marking the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations.

Accompanied by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, Mr Murkomen walked to Jogoo House A to meet Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for a security briefing.

Before the meeting, CS Murkomen visited Harambee House where he interacted with officers on duty. He also briefly engaged with law enforcement officers patrolling the streets and spoke with Nairobi residents on their way to work.

Very few shops and businesses were open along Ronald Ngala Street in the morning. Most shops remained closed on City Hall Way, Wabera Street, Tom Mboya Street, and Moi Avenue, with only a few pedestrians walking past.

The 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests left dozens dead and sparked international condemnation of alleged police brutality. This year’s commemorations come amid growing calls for police reform and justice for victims of excessive force.