Dozens of anti-riot police were deployed to major streets in Nairobi Central Business District ahead of a planned rally by the Linda Mwananchi brigade.
The police kept patrolling in cars and on foot as a precaution.
The police said the move was aimed at preventing what they termed criminals from attacking or looting premises in the city.
But the organisers of the rally termed the move wrong and provocative, saying police were supposed to provide security after being notified of the rally.
A crowd gathered outside All Saints Cathedral where the Linda Mwananchi team had gathered for a service ahead of the rally.
Another group believed to be supporters was seen in the CBD chanting and singing as police watched from a distance.
Nairobi police said they had barred the Linda Mwananchi movement from holding a rally in the Central Business District (CBD) on Sunday, warning leaders associated with the group against inciting violence.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had received notification of the planned rally, which is expected to culminate at Jacaranda Grounds, through Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Mohamud maintained that the CBD would remain off-limits, warning that police would not allow the capital to descend into chaos.
“The CBD is a critical national, commercial and public space, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t even try; we will deal with you,” Mohamud said.
He warned leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement against making inflammatory remarks or inciting violence ahead of the planned rally, saying those found breaking the law would face the full force of the law.
He said both uniformed and plain-clothes police officers would be deployed within the CBD and along routes leading to the rally venue to maintain order and manage traffic.
The warning comes as the Linda Mwananchi movement prepares to take its mobilisation campaign to Nairobi on Sunday through what Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has dubbed the “Mwananchi Tour – Kanairo Edition.”
According to the itinerary shared by Owino, the tour is set to begin at All Saints Cathedral after the church service before proceeding to Marikiti and Gikomba markets, and later Burma Market.
The group is also expected to make stops at Stage 17, B Centre and Manyanja before proceeding along Jogoo Road. The tour is expected to culminate at Jacaranda Grounds.
Police have urged organisers and supporters of the movement to maintain peace and adhere to the law during the planned activities.
