The government has issued a warning to protesters ahead of Thursday’s planned Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party mass action protests.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki warned Kenyans against participating in violent protests, saying the police would prevent them at “all costs.”
Prof. Kindiki, citing violent scenes witnessed on two consecutive Mondays during the demonstrations, including looting, destruction of public amenities, and disruption of daily activities, warned that the events could lead to anarchy in the country.
“No more violent protests shall be allowed anywhere in Kenya. With or without notices, demonstrations and protests of any type which injure people, security officers, businesses and property shall be prevented at all costs,” stated Prof. Kindiki.
“The unfolding situation portends grave danger to the rule of law and the stability of our country. The violence, looting, destruction of public amenities, disruption of daily activities and invasion of private property portend real and imminent danger of our country sliding into irretrievable anarchy. These criminal acts must cease.”
The CS, who had been quiet on the planned rallies, called out violence against police officers, asserting that protestors were the ones provoking the security officers to use force.
“Pursuant to Section 5(2), (6) and (10) of the Public Order Act (Cap. 56, Laws of Kenya), the police were compelled by their constitutional and legal mandate to prevent the holding of the protests whereupon orders of dispersal of the protestors were issued for the safety of both the protestors and the affected non-protesters and third parties,” Kindiki said.
He also threatened looters in Kisumu, Kibra, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm in Ruiru, and Raila Odinga’s East African Spectre Limited, saying they would be prosecuted.
According to CS Kindiki, police officers were hesitant to respond to the Kenyatta farm incident because they were preoccupied with other protests.
In the same vein, he stated that 51 police officers and 85 civilians were injured on both occasions, with two people killed in the protests.
The CS has now reassured the public that no further protests will be permitted, adding that he will issue relevant directives to the police regarding demonstrations.
