All roads leading to State House blocked ahead of today's demos

 

Tight security around state house 

Anti-riot police blocked roads near and around State House in Nairobi in efforts to stop anti-finance bill protesters.

The police turned away some motorists and pedestrians using the roads.

This was in reaction to calls on more on Thursday to denounce the move by Parliament to pass the Finance Bill 2024.

President William Ruto declined to sign the bill and asked the Members of Parliament to delete all clauses therein.

Light rains were experienced in Nairobi on Thursday morning but that did not deter the police.

The roads affected included Dennis Pritt Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road and adjacent feeder roads.

They asked motorists and pedestrians to identify themselves and their mission there.

Those living near there were asked to either stay indoors or leave and come back in the evening, they said.

Police also mounted patrols in the city centre and major roads leading there ahead of the planned protests.

The protesters said they planned a march to the city centre to among others mourn those killed in the past protests.

Major businesses remained closed and there were few motorists.

The police assured those who opened their businesses of their safety.

Reports show more anti-riot police were deployed to major towns in the country ahead of the protests. More barricades were erected on roads near state lodges.

At least 13 people were Tuesday killed in anti-proposed taxes protests in Nairobi.

The city centre was deserted by 9.30 am as many feared to show up.

Witnesses said they saw the military also patrol the streets.

Ruto Wednesday formally wrote to Parliament proposing to delete the Finance Bill 2024.

Ruto, in the memorandum drawn shortly after he announced the withdrawal cited widespread protests against the bill.

"In exercise of the powers conferred to me by Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, and having reservations on the content of the Bill in its entirety, I decline to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024, and refer the bill for reconsideration by the National Assembly with the recommendation for deletion of the clauses thereof," the memorandum reads.

This means the bill stands withdrawn and the decision can only be overturned by two-thirds of the 349 MPs (233).

The move came after he had met a group of MPs at State House following protests opposed to the proposed taxes.

“I send condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate manner. Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill of 2024, I will decline to assent to the bill,” he said.

Kenyans kept mobilizing online with divided opinions on the planned protests on Thursday.

by  CYRUS OMBATI