The statement from the police comes moments after the Kenya Airports Authority issued an advisory to passengers requesting them to arrive at the airport early due to heightened security checks.
The National Police Service (NPS) has revealed that it will uphold and enforce the rule of law following intense plans by protesters to storm the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
In a statement, Acting Inspector General, Douglas Kanja reiterated the NPS’ commitment to Article 37 which allows the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities, as well as its mandate to ensure public safety and national security.
“In light of the demonstrations planned for July 23, 2024, it is critical to firmly remind the public of the legal boundaries that govern access to protected areas.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja briefs the media in Nairobi on July 15, 2024. /AFP
“The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas. Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” the statement read in part.
In addition, NPS made reference to the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass which provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a Government aerodrome or an aerodrome licensed under regulations made under this Act commits an offence punishable by law.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” NPS affirmed.
The statement from the police comes moments after the Kenya Airports Authority issued an advisory to passengers requesting them to arrive at the airport early due to heightened security checks.
“Due to heightened security checks and protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights,” stated KAA.
Furthermore, KAA advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information ahead of their travels.
The two advisories come after Kanja denied that he had issued a blanket ban on protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and its environs.
The interim police boss was responding to a conservatory order issued by the High Court which suspended the ban issued by the NPS on the protests, hours before they were set to take place on Thursday, July 18.
In a statement, Kanja clarified that the directive issued on Wednesday was in response to intelligence reports that organized criminal groups were planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting.
Entrance to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRALTEAKE