Nairobi Streets Deserted as Protests Escalate Against Ruto's Government

Anti-riot police officers have cordoned off all roads leading to State House Nairobi in anticipation of a nationwide protest. Vehicles and their occupants are meticulously screened and checked before being granted access, while many are turned away entirely.

Describing today's heavy deployment, a senior police officer said, "This is a normal precautionary measure to secure key government installations on such a significant day."

Minimal activities on some of Nairobi CBD streets.

Elsewhere in the city, Nairobi’s streets were eerily quiet. On Tuesday morning, many city roads were deserted, with noticeably less traffic than usual. Businesses have also felt the impact, with places such as Adams Arcade shuttered and selected shops in the Central Business District (CBD) also closed.

The protests, which initially aimed to halt the passage of the Finance Bill 2024, have grown into a larger movement calling for President William Ruto's resignation and a complete overhaul of the Kenya Kwanza government.

Adding fuel to the fire, President William Ruto, while on a duty tour in Nakuru County on Monday, accused the non-governmental organization Ford Foundation of funding the ongoing anti-government protests.

Tensions continue to rise as citizens demand change, making the future of Nairobi and Kenya's political landscape uncertain.