There is also heavy police presence in Kibera and Mathare - the largest informal settlements in the city - where protesters are being blocked from moving into the city centre.

A car carrying local journalists in Kibera was attacked by a crowd and its occupants robbed at knife point, according to reports.

Shops have been closed in downtown Nairobi as business owners fear looting.

In the western city of Kisumu, an opposition stronghold, tear gas has been fired to disperse crowds of protesters who were being led by their local governor.

Police have said they will take pictures of protesters and file charges against them for participating in illegal protests.