Nairobi police have banned large political rallies in the Central Business District (CBD), hours before the planned Linda Mwananchi mobilisation in the capital, citing intelligence pointing to a possible disruption of public order.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud announced the directive on Saturday, September 12, saying the decision applies not only to the planned Linda Mwananchi event but to any large political rally seeking to take place within the CBD.
Mohamud said the security team had assessed the situation and determined that large political gatherings could interfere with business operations, movement and other activities in the city centre.
Police Draw Line on CBD Political Rallies
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s planned mobilisation, Mohamud said the CBD was a critical commercial and public space that could not be allowed to grind to a halt because of political gatherings.
“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,” he stated.
The police commander warned that officers would take action against anyone who attempted to defy the directive.
“We will not allow you, we will not allow anybody to make a political rally there. We will deal with you properly,” Mohamud said.
Police Cite Businesses, Workers and Tourists
Mohamud said the CBD serves millions of people, including workers, traders, businesses, tourists and other members of the public.
He argued that allowing large political gatherings in the area could disrupt normal commercial activity and the movement of people.
The commander stressed that the police decision was intended to protect public order, business continuity, freedom of movement and the rights of other citizens.
He maintained that political parties and groups remained free to organise rallies, but such events had to take place in locations where they would not interfere with the normal functioning of the city centre.
“There are millions and millions of people who come to the CBD on Sunday, and the youth also,” Mohamud said.
Linda Mwananchi Rally Faces Major Change
The directive came just hours before the planned Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi, raising uncertainty over how the movement’s programme would proceed.
The group had planned a series of activities across the capital before culminating in a major rally at Jacaranda Grounds.
The planned itinerary included a church service at All Saints Cathedral along Kenyatta Avenue, followed by visits to Marikiti, Gikomba, Burma Market, Stage 17, B Centre, Manyanja and Jogoo Road.
The movement had expected to draw supporters from different parts of Nairobi as it continued its political mobilisation.
Will Jacaranda Rally Go Ahead?
While police have specifically barred large political rallies from the CBD, the directive does not necessarily amount to a blanket ban on political gatherings across Nairobi.
The planned mega rally at Jacaranda Grounds therefore remains a key focal point for Linda Mwananchi supporters.
The latest development is likely to heighten political tensions in the capital, particularly as political movements increasingly step up public mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
It also sets the stage for a potentially significant test of how authorities balance public order and business continuity with the constitutional right to political assembly and expression.
For Linda Mwananchi, the immediate challenge will be navigating the new security restrictions while maintaining its planned Nairobi mobilisation.
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