11 Nairobi Areas Placed As High Risk Ahead of Azimio Mass Action- Report
It further revealed that in those areas, criminal gangs are often hired to carry out opportunistic crimes...
Marvin Chege 
G4S, a British multinational private security company headquartered in London, England with branches in Kenya, has revealed 11 areas in Nairobi considered as high risk ahead of the Azimio la Umoja mass action on Monday, March 20.
In its report titled Special Update: KE Political SITREP, G4S identified the Nairobi areas whereby protesters are expected to turn out in large numbers.
It further revealed that in those areas, criminal gangs are often hired to carry out opportunistic crimes, which can either support or disrupt the demonstrations and that there is a significant risk that the demonstration could escalate into violence.
A police officer next to a G4S van. /CAPITAL GROUP
Moreover, there is a chance that roadblocks will be erected which will ideally disrupt both public and private transportation. Overall, the capital city was categorised as high risk, with commercial operations and other government services expected to run at less than 30 per cent capacity.
The Nairobi areas G4S named in their report include Kibera, Sections of Ngong Rd, Mathare, Sections of Jogoo Rd, Huruma and Sections of Juja Road. Others include Kariobangi, Mukuru, Kwa Rueben, Kawangware and Kangemi.
For neighbouring Kiambu county, however, G4S categorised it as a moderate risk, with protesters expected to turn out in moderate numbers.
"There is a low risk that the demonstration could escalate into violence. There is a chance that demonstrators will clash with opposing supporters," read the report in part.
Among the areas highlighted include Kiambu Town, Ruaka, Githurai, Kahawa and Juja. Commercial
operations and other government services are expected to run at about 70 per cent capacity.
G4S revealed that the Azimio consultative forums through key towns across the country have been peaceful, with no major incidents reported except for events on Friday, March 17, when elements of disruption were reported.
"In Friday's case, a podium was destroyed and the entourage was tear-gassed. It is worth noting that this is the only area where the leaders have encountered opposition," added the report.
The security company further noted that it anticipates a number of demonstrations, the majority of which will be contained within urban areas, except for Nairobi, where protestors tend to continue their protests in their locality after being expelled from the epicentre of the demonstrations.
"The high turnout in consultative meetings held in areas visited by Coalition leaders may be an indicator of the numbers that the demos will attract. There was visible heavy security deployment on one of the roads leading to Kisumu State Lounge; this is most likely to be replicated in high-risk areas.
"Opposing supporters may attempt to hold counter-protests, as was seen yesterday, resulting in clashes between opposing activist groups," G4S noted.
The security firm went on to advise businesses through the following steps to avoid being exposed to the political demonstrations:
- Keep staff, customers and partners informed on the upcoming political activity in areas of operation
- Create a crisis management plan: Businesses should create a crisis management plan that outlines how they will respond if a political demonstration occurs. Procedures for evacuating employees, securing assets, and communicating with stakeholders should be included in this plan.
- Review and strengthen the physical security infrastructure of the areas of operation
- This can include assessing the safety of transportation routes and identifying potential threats to employees and customers.
- Overall, businesses should be vigilant, prepared, and responsive to potential risks in order to avoid being exposed to political demonstrations.
Raila Odinga addressing supporters in Ongata Rongai on March 19, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA
