Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, issued a stern warning on Thursday to Anti-Finance Bill demonstrators threatening to occupy Parliament Buildings.
Addressing the press, Koome emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations but cautioned that police officers would not tolerate any attempts by citizens to occupy critical infrastructure.
According to the Police IG, any efforts by protesters to occupy Parliament Buildings or disrupt ongoing proceedings would be met with strong resistance.
“The National Police Service is cognizant of the current demonstrations going on across the Country today June 20, 2024, and the ongoing debate at the National Assembly regarding Finance Bill, 2024,” Koome remarked.
“The Service will neither condone nor approve efforts by demonstrators to either occupy critical government infrastructure including Parliament Buildings,” he warned.
IG Koome reiterates the police service's commitment to maintaining law and order and that the service would put in place stringent measures to protect life and property.
Koome's statement comes amidst demonstrations in different parts of the country including in Nairobi where protesters threatened to access the parliament building.
Police who were on high alert quickly intervened to protect the parliamentarians from the wrath of demonstrators who demanded the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
During the demonstrations on Thursday, June 20, police officers engaged in running battles with the protesters in Nairobi with tear gas canisters pelted at those demonstrating.
The protesters, who came out in large numbers could be spotted holding huge placards as they protested the tax measures introduced by the government through the bill.
However, efforts to compel the legislators to vote against the bill hit the rocks after the bill received a majority backing from Members of the Parliament.
A total of 204 lawmakers voted in favour of the contentious Bill, with 115 voting against it, and zero abstentions.
