Kindiki takes walk in Nairobi CBD to assess situation
Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki made an impromptu visit to the streets of Nairobi to assess the security situation.
His visit comes as the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition wraps up three days of anti-government protests.
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The CS took a walk from his office at Harambee House on Friday, July 22, evening and walked along Harambee Avenue, Taifa Road, and stopped at Kencom to interact with citizens heading home from work.
He then walked along Moi Avenue and interacted with a number of Kenyans, most of whom were small traders selling their wares.
Prof Kindiki took a break opposite the Fire Station in Nairobi CBD where he enjoyed a cup of tea with the public before continuing his tour.
The CS did not speak to the media; he only said that the country was safe when asked.
“You have seen that the country is safe,” CS said.
His visit came after the calm was restored in the city by the anti-riot police officers who subdued demonstrators.
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However, the Azimio protests, which started on Wednesday, July 19, was not witnessed in Nairobi CBD. Still, the area was deserted as traders and business people kept away, fearing possible looting of their items.
According to the initial plans from Azimio, the rally was to be held at Jevanjee Gardens on Wednesday morning, but it flopped since the area was kept out of bounds by security.
The government had assured Nairobi residents that it would not allow public and private property destruction in Nairobi CBD.
The Azimio side has condemned the government for allegedly killing innocent Kenyans during demonstrations, a call that several human rights organizations have echoed.
The lobby groups claimed that using non-uniformed officers, who in most cases are seen to use vehicles with either distorted or no number plates, bundle protestors into car trunks and speed off to unknown locations, is posting danger to Kenyans.
Some of the police officers who were seen in a viral video masquerading as journalists on duty to arrest protestors has been condemned.
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