City dwellers throng Uhuru Park, CBD to make merry

However, with no recreational facility to go to, they turned to the empty streets for photo sessions in front of buildings and sharing meals in the shades.

Maryanne Mumbi, who travelled with her three children from Ongata-Rongai, was not aware that the Uhuru Park was closed, forcing her to spend Christmas on the streets.

"I thought the park was open as usual, only to arrive and find that people were just roaming around. I was forced to take the children around the city centre," she said.

At the Jeevanjee Gardens, Starehe MP Amos Mwago fed street families from all over the Central Business District.

"We decided to do it in a different way because the street families can easily be forgotten when other people are celebrating Christmas. More than 300 people were factored in from the streets of Nairobi," Mwago said.

"They are an integral part of our community, some of them are hopeless and jobless but they are our people and we need to see how we address their issue. At least we transform their lives even if in a small way."

Mwago said apart from sharing the meal, he took time to listen to their grievances and how they will be assisted to leave the streets.

"Most of them are creative and we have a big agenda for them. Some of them can turn out to be great people, given a chance in life," he said.

As the residents celebrated, police officers patrolled the streets to ensure the safety of the revellers.

Regional police boss Adamson Bungei said he toured all the 17 sub-counties in the city to assess the security situation.

He said police presence in the city centre and estates deterred many criminal activities.

"I have toured all parts of the city and can assure you that security is tight and we are not taking any chances with security. Whoever tries to break the law will be dealt with accordingly," said Bungei.

Central OCPD Raphael Kimeu said there was no major crime reported within the city, as police had intensified patrols.