Roadblocks mounted on Parliament Road and Harambee Avenue as police restrict movement

Nairobi, Kenya: Police roadblocks were erected on Parliament Road and Harambee Avenue to restrict motorists from accessing the area over security reasons.

Majority of those heading to Parliament Buildings and Harambee House were forced to use alternative routes and park their vehicles elsewhere before accessing their offices on foot.

Two roadblocks were erected, one at the Parliament Road/Harambee Avenue and another one on Parliament Road near City Hall Way.

Another one was erected at the junction of Harambee Avenue and Tumbo Avenue, near the Treasury Building.

It is not clear what prompted the new checks that were introduced on Wednesday evening.
Central division police boss Paul Wanjama termed the introduction of the roadblocks normal, adding that they were aimed at enhancing security at Parliament Buildings.

"We erected the roadblocks there as part of measures to ensure security on Parliament Buildings. Only authorised vehicles will be allowed in and there will be restrictions on adjacent roads," said Wanjama.

The officers manning the roadblocks turned away some vehicles and allowed only those headed for Parliament Buildings. At the entrance, there was thorough search and screening on the vehicles.

The officers said they are under instructions not to allow non-authorised vehicles in.

Similar measures targeted motorists headed for Harambee House, the Office of the President.

Wanjama said there was no specific threat on the installations and that they were doing so as a "precaution" amid speculations there were serious terror related dangers.

Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka says the enhanced security measures taken around certain Government buildings is part of Government’s plans to ensure controlled and secure access to public buildings within the are of ‘Government Square’ which includes Harambee House, Harambee House Annex, Parliament Buildings, KICC, the Treasury, Central Bank, KRA HQ, Nairobi County Hall and Nyayo House, among others.

“The Government assures Kenyans that the public will continue having access to services provided in these building without disruption even under the enhanced security arrangements,” he said.

He added that the controlled access to vehicular traffic is complete compliance with international best practice worldwide where there is limited and/or controlled access to certain key installations.

The move came weeks after a staffer at Parliament Buildings was arrested for allegedly plotting to blow up the building.

The official is expected to be released Friday after being held for over a month.