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Police deployed in anticipation of anti-govt protests

Anti-riot police officers are stationed in various parts of Nairobi's Central Business District, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in anticipation of protests.

By Barack Oduor and John Mbati | Thursday, July 4, 2024

The protests are anticipated despite President William Ruto withdrawing the Finance Bill 2024 and inviting protesters for a dialogue. Ruto also held his first cabinet today since June 11, 2024.

Anti-government protestors are expected to carry out another round of demonstrations countrywide today as they continue to lobby for various issues, including the conviction of graft suspects, the audit of debt repayment, and the reduction of expenditure.

The protests are anticipated despite President William Ruto withdrawing the Finance Bill 2024 and inviting protesters for a dialogue. Ruto also held his first cabinet today since June 11, 2024. The Eastleigh Voice is providing real-time updates on key events during today's protests.

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1:10 pm: Calmness reported in major parts of the country, with police continuing to patrol the streets.

12:20 am: Members of the Police Reforms Working Group, led by Vivian Mwende of the Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU) and Davies Malombe of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR), demand that the police stop using excessive force against protesters. During the press conference, they also accused the police of failing to protect businesses from being looted.

11:43 am: A Nairobi City County government worker cleans a street around the former Hilton Hotel in Nairobi. Cleaners from the county government are engaged in cleaning various parts of the streets in the city to remove debris that was left by protestors during the Tuesday, July 2, 2024, protests.

A Nairobi City County government worker cleans a street around the former Hilton Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

11:38 am: Police officers are seen guarding the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

A police officer guards the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

11:00 am: Public transport continues to operate as vehicles move around the city, picking up and dropping off passengers.

Anti-riot police officers are stationed in various parts of Nairobi's Central Business District, despite the return to normal activities. pic.twitter.com/yUsqBn3IAH
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 4, 2024

10:30 am: A significant police presence is evident in Nairobi, with lorries patrolling the streets and officers stationed at major city junctions.

10:00 am: Police begin monitoring the area around the Kenya National Archives to prevent any potential protests by youths.

9:00 am: Military and police armoured vehicles surround Parliament, as patrols continue along the streets.

8:00 am: Traders, including Jackson Mutiso from Luthuli Avenue, prepare to protect their businesses while hoping for a calm day to recover from losses caused by recent protests.

Mutiso adds that their premises have remained shut since the protests began.

"I hope this calm will prevail throughout the day to make us sell goods to our clients. We have been incurring losses as a result of the protests," says Mutiso.

7:30 am: Police are deployed at the Kenya National Archives on Tom Mboya Street to prevent any gatherings of youth planning protests.

7:00 am: Despite the calm, there is a notable presence of police patrolling the streets and stationed at various junctions across Nairobi.

6:30 am: Relative calm resumes in Nairobi following Tuesday’s violent protests as traders open their businesses and public transport resumes normal operations.