The IG warned that the National Police Service (NPS) would not allow the protesters to ‘occupy’ government infrastructure and disrupt normal proceedings.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has warned Kenyans protesting against the Finance Bill 2024 against trying to occupy government infrastructure including Parliament Buildings and now, State House.
In a statement on Thursday, June 20, the IG warned that the National Police Service (NPS) would not allow the protesters to ‘occupy’ government infrastructure and disrupt normal proceedings.
“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.
“With utmost respect to the provisions of Article 37 of the Constitution stipulating the right of citizens to assemble, demonstrate and picket, the Service will neither condone nor approve efforts by demonstrators to either occupy critical government infrastructure including Parliament Buildings, or disrupt the ongoing Parliamentary proceedings,” stated the IG in part.
Koome reiterated that the NPS would stand by its commitment to maintain law and order; and protect life and property.
His statement comes after irate Kenyans took to the streets on Thursday to demonstrate over the Finance Bill 2024, which sailed through the Second Reading.
As of the time of publishing this article, the ‘Gen Z’ protesters went as far as approaching Gate A of State House, in a shift in terms of attention, having encountered police resistance while trying to reach the gates of Parliament.
It is reported that the Gate A entrance has been surrounded by hundreds of youths, with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) dispatched to the area to quell the tensions.
More to follow…