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The Nairobian

Nairobi CBD a ghost town in anticipation of protests

Nairobi

By Okumu Modachi | Jul 23, 2024

Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) is today akin to a ghost town with very minimal activities owing to planned anti-government protests.

A spot-check by The Standard has shown that most business premises are under lock and key as anxiety builds up in anticipation of "Occupy CBD" protests organised by Generation Z and Millennial protesters.

According to protesters, the demonstrations that have entered a fourth week today, and turned from anti-tax to anti-government, seek to ensure accountability and good governance from government leaders.

The agitated Kenyans lament that President William Ruto is taking them for a ride by reappointing some of his former cabinet members after their dismissal nearly two weeks ago following intense protests that have left more than 50 people dead.

The disgruntled citizens are now calling for the resignation of President Ruto alongside demands for wide-ranging governance reforms.

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In the City Centre, security has been beefed up ostensibly to manage the protests in line with President Ruto's directive on Sunday pushing for the immediate end to the protests.

Ruto termed the protests as a "tyranny of anonymous, faceless, formless, sponsored people," adding, "Enough is enough."

Irked by Ruto's sentiments, the youth have today planned to hold mass demonstrations across the country with mobilisation largely done on social media.

Protesters plan to occupy Nairobi CBD and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport among other critical establishments such as government offices.

The spot-check also established that the transport business seemed crippled as few civilians made their way in and out of town, with most parking lots, especially in uptown, remaining empty.

“Hali imesalia kuwa mbaya zaidi. Nawahasihi wananchi wenzangu kutulia tungoje tusubiri matokeo kuhusu mabadiliko katika serikali,” said Joseph Karanja, a bodaboda rider.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high within the CBD as demos are expected to kick off around midday as has been the norm.