Maandamano update at 9AM: Businesses closed, heavy police presence in many towns
Update at 9:30 AM Wednesday, July 19.
Many businesses in several counties remained closed on Wednesday morning in anticipation of Azimio’s anti-government protests.
Nairobi
In Nairobi, anti-riot police have been deployed on all major roads and in informal settlements. Police have blocked all roads leading to the State House.

On Processional Way at Nyerere Road junction just after Serena. No vehicles are allowed to pass through without inspection and search. There is a heavy presence of police (both plain and uniformed) patrolling the CBD. Most shops in the CBD remain closed.
The heavy presence of police making patrols was also witnessed in Nakuru, Meru, Homa Bay, Siaya, Mombasa and Kisumu.
Kisumu
Most streets in Kisumu remained empty ahead of the anti-government protests.
There were reports of lit bonfires as early as 7 am as protesters took to the streets.
The protesters blocked roads as they adhered to Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s call for demonstrations.
Meru
Teargas canisters were fired at Meru police station as police officers prepared for the day

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya has called for three days of anti-government protests aimed at pushing President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration to address the high cost of living.
President Ruto said he will not allow the protests led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to take place.
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya has offered to facilitate talks between the two sides, while in their first reaction to the protests, 13 ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya expressed concern over the loss of life and the high level of violence and destruction of property.
Last night, the government announced the closure of all primary and secondary day schools within Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu cities over the protests called by the opposition.