Security was heightened in Nairobi on Thursday as President William Ruto prepared to address a joint session of Parliament. The increased security measures came in response to threats of protests from several groups accusing the government of poor governance. These protests were planned to coincide with the President’s State of the Nation Address, an annual event where Ruto was expected to outline his administration’s achievements and set out his future goals.
To ensure a smooth delivery of the address, several roads surrounding Parliament, including Parliament Road and Harambee Avenue, were barricaded by police. The security forces had been deployed early in the morning, with officers stationed at key points around the parliamentary complex. Despite heavy rains that swept through parts of Nairobi, causing some disruption, the security personnel remained vigilant. In fact, the downpour caused some of the officers to retreat to shelters temporarily before returning to their posts as soon as the weather conditions allowed.
As part of the government’s strategy to prevent any unrest, the National Police Service (NPS) took proactive measures to curb the potential demonstrations. Several billboards, believed to have been put up by the organizers of the protests, were demolished overnight by the police. These billboards, which were erected at various junctions in the city, were seen as a symbol of defiance against the government. The NPS had warned the public that no such protests would be tolerated, asserting that they had not received the required legal notifications for any demonstrations under the Public Order Act.
In a statement released ahead of the President’s address, police spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango clarified that under Kenyan law, any group planning to hold a public demonstration is required to notify the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance. This requirement ensures that proper safety and security measures can be arranged by the police to maintain peace and order during public gatherings. According to Dr. Onyango, no such notification had been received for any planned protests, leading the police to take firm action to prevent any unauthorized demonstrations.
The caution from the NPS was issued after social media posts and rumors spread about possible protests organized by groups discontented with the current state of governance. The planned protests were reportedly aimed at highlighting the frustrations of various sections of society over economic challenges and political dissatisfaction. While Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the police emphasized that these rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law, which includes proper notification of authorities.
Despite these security measures, the NPS reassured the public that they would be able to go about their daily activities without fear of disruption. Dr. Onyango urged citizens to continue with their routines as planned and not to be intimidated by threats of unrest. She also reminded the public that peaceful demonstrations, when properly organized and within the law, are an important aspect of democratic expression, but emphasized that the responsibility lies with the organizers to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to maintain public order.
As the day progressed, it became clear that the police had fully mobilized to handle any potential disruptions. The visibility of law enforcement around key locations in Nairobi was significant, sending a strong message that any attempt to disrupt the proceedings would not be tolerated. In the absence of official notification for any protests, the city remained under tight surveillance, ensuring that President Ruto’s address to Parliament would proceed without interruption.
As Kenya continues to navigate its political and economic challenges, the government’s firm stance on maintaining order reflects the delicate balance between respecting citizens’ rights and ensuring national stability. The heightened security also underscores the growing tensions within the country, as citizens voice their concerns over the direction of the nation’s leadership. However, with the government remaining resolute in its efforts to prevent unrest, it is clear that public order will continue to be a key priority in the lead-up to and beyond Ruto’s address.
