Police officers who had been deployed at the Jacaranda grounds on Sunday morning to avert a clash over Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalition rallies have been withdrawn.
The two coalitions claimed to have booked the venue for their rallies, prompting police officers to take over the grounds on Sunday morning.
The officers started leaving at around 11.30 am.
They stated that they had been informed that the area was now safe, hence the move.
A standoff loomed between security agents and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance brigade after they barred the alliance’s rally organizers from conducting any activities.
The Anti-Riot officers cited security concerns as the reason for their presence.
After Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance cancelled their event at the same venue, the deputy president William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza Alliance is set to hold a rally in the afternoon.
The DP had earlier insisted on his attendance, ordering his supporters to avail themselves at the venue for their rally.
“The Kenya Kwanza fraternity and the entire hustler nation wishes a blessed Sunday to all na tukutane Jacaranda after church,” said DP Ruto in a tweet.
Earlier, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of Azimo la Umoja claimed to have reserved the grounds on the same date.
He did, however, urge his supporters to stay at home or go about their business as the rally had been axed.
“I write to inform you that I will be having a function at the Jacaranda grounds this coming Sunday from 10am to 5pm. I have been mobilizing members of the public to attend the event through social media and I have information that an opportunistic outfit allied to Tanga Tanga leader Ruto are also claiming that they want to hold a political event at the same venue on the same date and time,” stated Babu in a letter to the Embakasi police boss.
