Police on Thursday, August 8 morning barricaded the road leading to Machakos County Commissioner’s residence (Machakos State Lodge) ahead of the ‘Nane Nane’ demonstrations planned by Kenyan youth (Gen Z).

Security has also been beefed up around the government facility, with visible heavy police presence.

The officers on the erected roadblocks are preventing any motorist from using the road.

Anti-riot police officers have also been deployed in various parts within Machakos town.

Meanwhile, supporters of the protests continued to mobilize on social media for a fresh round of anti-government protests expected in Nairobi and other parts of the country on Thursday.

Dubbed the ‘Nane Nane March’ the protest is a continuation of June and July demonstrations, which began over the now-scrapped Finance Bill 2024 that had suggested increased taxation.

The protests associated with Kenyan youth, mostly Gen Zs, gradually morphed into resistance against Ruto’s government, calling for urgent reforms.

According to organizers of the protests, they want the government to address issues of corruption and wastage of public resources. 

However police have warned of a possible infiltration by hired goons during the protests.

“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

“Our intelligence reports indicate that there are security threats to the country with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes. In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of personnel,” he added. 

Police have been facing criticism for using excess force, abductions and shooting unarmed protesters in previous demonstrations.

A total of 50 Kenyans have died in relation to the anti-government protests, this is according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).