PHOTOS: City streets deserted as Kenyans await Supreme Court ruling

Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, is relatively deserted. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Streets in Nairobi City remain deserted with some shops still closed ahead of today's supreme court judgement on the presidential petition. The long queues that are normally witnessed at different bus stops were missing. Public Service Vehicles (PSV) that ply different routes within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) were few, signalling that majority of Kenyans had decided to stay at home ahead of the ruling which is expected today. Chief Justice Martha Koome, her deputy Philomena Mwilu and justices Smokin Wanjala, William Ouko, Mohammed Ibrahim, Njoki Ndung'u and Isaac Lenaola will deliver the verdict on whether to uphold President-elect William Ruto's victory or have it nullified and call for a fresh election. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Deputy President William Ruto winner of the August 9 General Election. Mr Chebukati said Ruto garnered 7.17 million against his close rival Raila Odinga who got 6.94 million votes. Muindi Mbingu Street, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] However, four IEBC commissioners disowned the results. A spot check by the Standard established that some of the shops and supermarkets had remained closed by 8am unlike the norm where they are open early. "We don't know the outcome of the supreme court verdict, whether Ruto's win is upheld or nullified, both decisions will have serious ramifications to our businesses," said Simon Mwangi, a shoe shiner operating at Kenya National Archives. He added: "I have not seen a majority of my daily customers but only a handful of them. Those who have reported to work have told me that they will leave their offices as early as 11am." Kenyans going about their business along Kenneth Matiba Road in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Around Afya Centre, Ronald Ngala street, Kenyatta avenue, Tom Mboya street, Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie road as well as Machakos Country bus is normally a beehive of activities, very few people could be seen reading newspapers and talking in low tones. "Very many people left Nairobi to their ruling homes between Friday and Sunday. The majority of them had concerns over their security in case violence erupts from the supporters of both opposing camps should the judgement not favour them," said Martin Onyango, a matatu driver at Machakos Country Bus. Gilbert Odera, who operates an electronic shop along Tom Mboya street said he opened his shop at 6am but the flow of customers was unusually low. Deserted Street, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] He, however, said that the outcome of the supreme court verdict does not affect him as he has bills to pay. "Life must move on irrespective of the supreme court. We cannot continue lamenting over the election results and yet we have bills to pay like rent, school fees and food. I will accept anything the court will say and continue with my normal business," said Odera "In any election, we have a winner and a loser. The results did not go the way we expected and even today, the supreme court will favour some individuals and disappoint some but at the end of the day, Kenya is bigger than an individual. We have an economy to grow and we must go back to our various places of work immediately," he added Passenger numbers at bus terminals are unusually low in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Police had earlier warned members of the public to keep off the Supreme Court premises ahead of today's ruling. The police instead asked Kenyans to follow the proceedings in the comfort of their houses when the apex court judges will make a ruling on the presidential petition. "We wish to advise the general public to avoid gathering at the Supreme Court during the ruling or congregating in public gatherings but follow the proceedings from the comfort of their homes," said Noor Gabow, acting Inspector General of Police. He went on: "Access to the Supreme Court shall be limited to the public and all roads leading to the court premises shall remain closed. Traffic police officers shall be deployed adequately to direct traffic around the court facility," According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), Ngong road will be closed at the junction of Ngong Road first Avenue (opposite NHIF). Muindi Mbingu Street in Nairobi is relatively deserted. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Therefore, no motorists will be allowed to access the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) through Kenyatta Avenue via Cathedral Road. Additionally, Cathedral Road/Milimani Ngong Road, which accesses Milimani Law Courts, will be closed at Kenyatta Avenue, Valley road Junction (NSSF). "Only vehicles heading to the court will be allowed. All other motorists are advised to use Valley Road," reads the statement in part. The Cathedral road/Haile Selassie Avenue junction will also be closed. Hence, motorists have been advised to use the alternative route of Haile Selassie/Ngong Road Mr Gabow assured Kenyans that the police have taken all the necessary steps and measures to enhance security in all parts of the country including all critical infrastructure. A man loads luggage on an Embu-bound matatu along Kenneth Matiba Road in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] "The public should not therefore panic and migrate from their homes or ordinary places of residence in fear and anticipation of chaos," said Gabow. Gabow appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities within their areas of jurisdiction, adding that such information may be shared in confidence with any police officer or at a police station. "We as the National Police Service are alive to the anxiety and tension this day portends to a majority of Kenyans. We, therefore, take this opportunity to appeal to Kenyans to remain calm and peaceful. We further assure Kenyans of their enhanced personal security, their property and loved ones," said Gabow.

PHOTOS: City streets deserted as Kenyans await Supreme Court ruling

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PHOTOS: City streets deserted as Kenyans await Supreme Court ruling

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