The Acting Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja has asked the public to avoid crowded areas amid anti-government demonstrations taking place in various parts of the country.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, the Acting IG appealed to the members of the public to remain vigilant to ensure their safety even as they carry on with their daily activities.
"We also appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and share any information that may assist the police in detecting and preventing crime," he said.
The Acting IG further revealed that the National Police Service (NPS) had received intelligence that goons were planning to storm several protected areas besides the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which Kenyans were planning to occupy on Tuesday.
Kanja vowed that the government will not relent in its mandate to secure critical infrastructure, considering their importance to national security.
He further reiterated that the government will be employing a multi-agency approach to gather intelligence, thwart crime before it happens and secure the country.
"The service reiterates that protected areas are out of bounds to unauthorized persons. For the avoidance of doubt, JKIA is listed as a protected area."
The National Police Service had on Monday warned protestors against accessing JKIA.
“Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, includes the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot,” read the notice in part.
Further, the Police Service cautioned that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act grants the government the authority to enforce the law that stipulates encroaching on such facilities is an offense.
The police boss proceeded to urge all Kenyans participating in demonstrations to respect the law and refrain from forcing their way into protected areas.
Kanja commended all police officers for their dedication to duty while serving under what he termed as difficult circumstances. The Acting IG rallied the police to serve without fear or favour and to discharge their mandate without fearing intimidation from the public and civic organizations.
