Ahead of the demonstrations planned by the Azimio coalition, a contingent of anti-riot police officers has been deployed across different parts of the country.
As a result of the looming protests, Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) resembled a ghost town, with minimal activity and many shops remaining closed. The city’s roads were notably clear, with only a few vehicles in transit.
This situation has caused disruptions in public transportation, as only a limited number of Public Service Vehicles have been operating.Despite stern warnings from the government against holding the protests, the Azimio coalition has insisted on their three-day-a-week protest plan, scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.
In connection with the upcoming protests, the government has made notable security changes. Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta had her security withdrawn from her Gatundu and Muthaiga residences.
Officers from the General Service Unit and Administration Police, who were providing security to Mama Ngina, were instructed to leave and report to the nearest police station.Similarly, over ten security officers assigned to the Azimio principles, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, had their security details withdrawn.
Additionally, Governors Gladys Wanga, James Orengo, and Anyang’ Nyong’o were directed to report their security personnel to Kisumu.
The demonstrations, announced by Raila Odinga on June 14, are in response to a new finance bill that has sparked public outrage.
The bill introduced several contentious measures, including a 1.5 percent housing levy, a 16 percent tax on petroleum products, and a 16 percent value-added tax (VAT) on money received by policyholders as insurance compensation.
The opposition leader, Odinga, expressed strong opposition to the finance bill, stating that it would burden Kenyans with excessive taxes and have detrimental effects on the population.
Despite public outcry and the protests, the bill was signed into law on June 26. However, on July 10, Kenya’s High Court issued an order extending the prohibition of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u from implementing the bill.