Nairobi County police boss Japhet Koome on Sunday warned Kenyans, the National Super Alliance (NASA) and any other group from holding an event at Uhuru Park on Tuesday.
Speaking during a media briefing, Koome noted that Uhuru Park was a no-go-zone adding that no group will be allowed at the venue.
The Police boss noted that he had not received any official communication informing him of any events planned for Tuesday.
Defending his move to ban any gatherings at the area, Koome cited likely chaos among supporters of different groups purporting to have booked Uhuru Park.
[caption caption="Nairobi Police Boss addressing the media on Sunday"]
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"I will not allow any grouping into Uhuru Park. Doing so would be opening up space for confrontations," he stated.
Koome cautioned that on Tuesday he together with his men will be at the park to ensure that law and order is maintained and that no one accesses the area.
Regarding the increased mugging in the city, the police boss explained that patrol within the Central Business District had been increased leading to massive arrests of suspected muggers.
Meanwhile, the Nairobi County government o Wednesday announced that Uhuru Park had been closed for maintenance purposes.
According to a notice published in the local dailies, the county explained that the park is scheduled to undergo improvements in a bid to enhance its usefulness to the visitors always frequenting it.
“Notice is hereby given to the general public that Uhuru Park Grounds is scheduled to undergo phased improvement works in order to enhance usefulness to its visitors.
“Consequently, the facility has been closed down to the public for any gatherings and meetings with effect from January 23, 2018, until further notice,” read in part the notice by acting County Secretary Leboo Ole Morintat.
[caption caption="Opposition Leader Raila Odinga addressing a rally at Uhuru Park"]
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Following the announcement, the Opposition vowed to proceed with its swearing-in ceremony at the park even though it had been closed.
"Swearing-in of our president and deputy president scheduled for January 30 at Uhuru Park is on,” David Ndii a member of the People’s Assembly Organising Committee stated.
