Security has been heightened around roads leading to State House ahead of the planned Anti-Finance Bill protests.
Demonstrators, using X space and other social media platforms, have vowed to stage a protest at State House today. These events follow historic demonstrations that saw Anti-Finance youths storm the Senate and the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The affected roads include Dennis Pritt Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road, and adjacent feeder roads commonly used by pedestrians.
Police advise motorists to use alternative routes to reach their destinations. The heavy security operation has prompted security personnel to ask those wanting to access areas around State House to identify themselves and explain their purpose.
Additionally, police have mounted patrols in the Central Business District (CBD) to prevent any looting or disruption of property in the event that protestors take to the streets. Videos captured on Thursday morning in the CBD show a deserted city as many people have stayed away. Stores and shops have remained closed.
This heightened security comes a day after President William Ruto withdrew the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Speaking to the press at State House, the President announced the change of heart and provided alternatives for raising funds in the coming financial years.
The Head of State added that his administration had heard the cries of Kenyans urging him to drop the bill and reduce the cost of living.
"Having reflected keenly on the conversation surrounding the bill and listening to the people of Kenya who have said they want nothing to do with the bill. I concede and therefore I will not sign the bill. It will be subsequently withdrawn and that becomes our position," he stated.
President Ruto formally initiated the process of withdrawing the bill by submitting a Memorandum of Referral to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, recommending the deletion of all the bill's clauses.
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