Mombasa streets were calm on Thursday morning, with normal activities resuming for most of the day as Gen Z stayed away.
This tranquility was largely anticipated following former governor Hassan Joho’s nomination to Cabinet by President William Ruto. As Joho was sworn in as the Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary at State House in Nairobi, visitors in Mombasa were enjoying themselves at the famous Pembe za Ndovu, taking selfies and capturing Kodak moments.
Pembe za Ndovu has previously served as a gathering point for Mombasa’s Gen Z during protests.
On Thursday, police were deployed in the area, seen resting at Uhuru Gardens, which is near the iconic tusks. A police lorry was stationed at Mwembe Tayari Health Center, across from Naivas Mwembe Tayari. Roadblocks were established at Nyali Bridge leading into town and at Makupa Causeway at Kibarani. At the Kibarani roadblock, police were inspecting all public service vehicles entering the city.
“Matatu and tuktuk passengers were forced out of the vehicles and searched, especially the young people. I felt that was harassment of the public. There are better ways to handle such,” human rights activist and Muhuri rapid response officer Francis Auma said.
Most roads were filled with public service vehicles (PSVs), while private cars were noticeably absent. Many parking spaces in the Central Business District (CBD) remained empty. In Kwale, a police roadblock was established at Magandia as one enters from Mombasa, where PSVs were also searched and young people were questioned.
In Diani, the atmosphere was calm, with police presence observed in small groups, and most businesses were open. Kilifi experienced normal activities as Gen Z stayed off the streets. At various locations in Mombasa with access to TV screens, people gathered to watch the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet Secretaries.
