Nairobi Police Ban Large Political Rallies in CBD Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Meeting

Nairobi Police Ban Large Political Rallies in CBD Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Meeting

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has announced a ban on large political rallies in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), hours before the planned Linda Mwananchi rally on Sunday, September 13.

Mohamud made the announcement on Saturday, September 12, saying police had received intelligence indicating that the planned gathering could disrupt public order and normal business activities in the city centre.

The police commander said the decision was not targeted at the Linda Mwananchi rally alone. He maintained that all large political gatherings would be prohibited within the CBD because of the area’s importance to businesses, workers, tourists and members of the public.

“Resolution has been made that large political rallies will not be permitted, and we will not allow them to disrupt the normal function of the CBD. CBD is a critical national commercial and public space.”

The announcement comes as political activities continue to increase ahead of the 2027 General Election, with various groups seeking to hold public meetings across Nairobi.

Mohamud said the CBD serves as a major commercial and public hub and therefore requires uninterrupted movement and access, particularly during weekends when thousands of people visit the city centre.

He warned that police would take action against anyone who attempted to hold a large political rally in the restricted area.

“We will not allow you, will not allow anybody to make a political rally there. We will deal with you properly.”

The commander, however, clarified that the police decision did not amount to a ban on political activity in Nairobi.

He said political parties and groups remained free to organise rallies in other locations, provided they complied with the law and gave consideration to public safety and the rights of other residents.

According to Mohamud, police have a responsibility to balance the right to peaceful assembly with the need to protect businesses, workers, pedestrians and other members of the public.

“There are millions and millions of people who come to the CBD on Sunday, and the youth also. With the regional security team, the committee has been informed that large political rallies will not be permitted and will not be allowed to disrupt the normal function of the CBD. CBD is a critical national commercial and public space.”

The decision is expected to attract attention from political groups and civil society organisations, particularly because the right to peaceful assembly is protected under Kenya’s Constitution.

The planned Linda Mwananchi rally had been expected to draw supporters to the city centre as organisers sought to address issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.

However, police have maintained that public order and uninterrupted business operations must be protected.

The announcement could also set the tone for how Nairobi authorities handle large political gatherings in the CBD as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

The CBD has historically been a major destination for political demonstrations, processions and public meetings. Such gatherings have at times resulted in traffic disruptions, business interruptions and confrontations between protesters and security officers.

Mohamud’s latest directive means organisers of future large political rallies may have to seek alternative venues outside the CBD.

Police are expected to deploy officers to strategic areas to enforce the directive and prevent attempts to hold unauthorised large gatherings in the city centre.

The commander reiterated that the restrictions were aimed at protecting public order and ensuring that Nairobi’s commercial heart remains accessible to everyone.

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Nairobi Police Ban Large Political Rallies in CBD Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Meeting