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Police Warn Protesters Against Accessing Protected Areas Ahead of Planned Demonstrations
The National Police Service (NPS) has cautioned organisers and participants of ongoing demonstrations against attempting to access or breach restricted zones, warning that any such actions will attract firm legal consequences.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over calls by some protest groups to march towards key government installations, including State House.
Ahead of the planned protests, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued a statement on Tuesday evening, making it clear that any attempt to access protected areas such as State House or critical infrastructure like airports would be treated as a violation of the law.
The IG reiterated that while the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Constitution, it must be exercised within the confines of the law.
He noted that any unlawful actions disguised as a protest, including forceful entry into restricted zones, would not be tolerated and would attract immediate police intervention.
“For avoidance of doubt, Article 37 of the Constitution and also the Penal Code CAP 63, Sections 78 and 82, clearly provide the conditions necessary for a lawful assembly. Any contrary conduct constitutes an unlawful and riotous assembly. The National Police Service shall at all times lawfully and firmly prevent any breach of peace by any group or groups of persons, acting contrary to the provisions of the law. Additionally, it is important to note that unauthorised persons must refrain from accessing protected areas under the Protected Areas Act (Cap 204, Laws of Kenya),” Kanja said.
The IG, while urging Kenyans to be patriotic, while expressing their constitutional rights, asked them to refrain from provocative acts, directed to police officers in the execution of their duties.
“Let us stand together as one people, united by our love for this great nation. In all that we do, let us remember one sacred truth: Kenya is our homeland, let us protect it. We only have this country,” Kanja stated.
He added, “The public is also urged to refrain from provocative acts directed at police officers in the execution of their duties.”
Meanwhile, the situation in Nairobi, the epicentre of the planned protests, remains tense, with a significant police presence in and around the Central Business District (CBD).
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke revealed heavy deployment of officers along major highways, including Jogoo Road, Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, and Mombasa Road.
Officers in full anti-riot gear mounted roadblocks using spikes and conducted random inspections on both private and public service vehicles (PSVs), including boarding buses to inspect passengers.
Most businesses remained closed, with minimal operations observed. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen was spotted by our team conducting a random inspection of the CBD on his way to the office.
