The United States Embassy in Nairobi issued an urgent security alert on Wednesday, cautioning its citizens and staff to avoid the Central Business District.
This official directive came in response to credible intelligence regarding large scale protests scheduled to take place across the capital.
The mission specifically identified major government installations and public squares as potential flashpoints for civil unrest.
American officials noted that such demonstrations frequently led to volatile situations and disrupted transport networks throughout the city.
The embassy advised its personnel to restrict non-essential travel and remain vigilant of their surroundings.
This move signaled a heightened state of alert as the diplomatic community monitored the evolving political atmosphere in Kenya.
By early morning, the city center witnessed a significant change in its usual rhythm.
Local law enforcement officers moved in large numbers to secure the Parliament buildings and the Supreme Court.
These security teams erected roadblocks on key arterial routes, effectively cutting off the usual flow of commuters into the heart of the city.
The business community in downtown Nairobi bore the brunt of the tension.
Numerous retail outlets and banks remained closed as shopkeepers feared the destruction of property.
This preemptive shutdown turned the normally bustling streets into a quiet zone, with only a few daring pedestrians navigating the cordoned areas.
The organizers of the protest cited a range of economic concerns as the primary motivation for the street action.
As the day progressed, the heavy presence of anti-riot police prevented many groups from congregating in their intended meeting points.
This strategic deployment ensured that while the tension remained high, the core of the city stayed largely inaccessible to the demonstrators.
The advisory remained in effect throughout the evening as the embassy continued to track the movements of various groups.
This security measure forced many residents to rethink their travel plans, resulting in an unusually early exodus from the city as people sought the safety of their homes.
By Newshub