The National Police Service has decided to prohibit all demonstrations in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice.
The statement comes on the heels of an impending protest on 16 July 2024 at Uhuru Park.
According to the statement, signed by Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, the police have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups plan to infiltrate the protests and engage in looting and other destructive activities.
The police have also appealed to the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support their efforts by sharing any information that may aid in crime detection and prevention.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution, the police emphasized their critical role in maintaining national security.
“In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks, including looting,” said Inspector General Kanja.
The statement added that the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations had made it difficult for the police to enforce safety protocols, leading to chaos and destruction.
As a result, the police are urging all members of the public to support their efforts to keep the country safe and secure.
“We appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support our collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid the Police in crime detection and prevention,” said Inspector General Kanja.
The statement concluded by emphasizing the police’s commitment to partnering with members of the public and media to maintain peace and order in Kenya.
