Situation at the city centre as Azimio protests resume

Anti-riot cop stationed at a bus station in the city centre. [Pkemoi Ng'enoh, Standard]

After about one month break, the anti-government protests led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga resume today, May 2.

Nairobi will be a key focus where Azimio leaders have dared to march to the city centre on day one of the demonstrations.

A spot check by The Standard around the city centre ahead of the protest paints a picture of a calm morning with some activities mostly around the bus stops.

Unlike the other protests where anti-riot police were stationed at the city centre, this morning some cops were stationed at some locations leading to the heart of the city.

This was the case at Railways/Race Course roundabout where several anti-riot police are stationed.

Along Moi Avenue, their counterparts were seen strolling in twos and others were strategically stationed in some spots.

Beehive of activity at a bus station adjacent to KenCom house, Nairobi. [Pkemoi Ng'enoh, Standard]

Other areas where the cops are stationed include Ngara, Green Park, University Way, and Kamukunji in the city's downtown area.

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On Sunday, Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei declared the planned demonstrations and any gathering illegal at the city centre.

Bus stages where city workforce board matatus at the CBD were a beehive of activity along KenCom House, National Archives, Bus Station, and Moi Avenue.

The situation along National Archives. [Pkemoi Ng'enoh, Standard]

"It is a busy day as usual for us because we don't offer transport services. Some people will be stuck," Alex Murimi, a route manager around Ken-Com, said.

He added, "This time round, we have witnessed the increase in the number of passengers compared to other weeks when there were protests, we hope businesses will not be interfered with," he added.

Matatus operating estates to the city centre and train services were busy as usual while parking areas at the uptown were not full as usual