The directive comes as a section of protesters in Nairobi and other towns vow to take to the streets on Thursday in another relentless move to force the Kenya Kwanza regime out of power.
Starting at 11 pm on Wednesday, August 7, all bars and entertainment joints in Kitengela will be closed as the Kajiado County government banned any form of protests ahead of the planned ‘Nane Nane’ march on August 8.
The directive comes as a section of protesters in Nairobi and other towns vow to take to the streets on Thursday in another relentless move to force the Kenya Kwanza regime out of power.
Kajiado County Commissioner James Taari, while addressing the Kitengela Business Community in the town in a meeting also attended by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, assured that they had put up enough security protection to ensure nobody takes advantage of the anti-government protests to loot businesses.
With the protests outlawed along the Nairobi-Namanga-Arusha Highway, Taari assured that a contingent of police and other local security officers backed by the county government will be deployed to Kajiado, Kitengela and Ongata Rongai.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku during a past address. /CITIZEN DIGITAL
“We have agreed voice that all entertainment joints be closed by 11 pm today, (Wednesday), this will allow our security forces to monitor those who are allegedly brought to cause chaos in our county, we will not allow what we saw during the previous protests,” he said.
On his part, Governor Ole Lenku claimed that protesters were being transported to Kitengela and vowed to continue protecting the businesses against goons that were unleashed during previous demos.
“As much as we respect the right of any Kenyan to demonstrate, Kitengela and, indeed, any urban centre in Kajiado, will not be looting grounds,” he said, adding “We shall protect businesses by all means possible.”
“We are tired of the chaos that we witnessed recently. Last week we managed to keep at bay looters and goons in Kitengela. We are warning anybody who thinks he will force business closure in Kitengela. We shall face them head-on.”
Earlier protests in Kitengela were characterized by hooliganism and looting of businesses by gangs said to have been transported to the populous town from neighbouring counties. Most of those targeted were eateries, supermarkets, bars, petrol stations and electronic shops.
Governor Lenku assured the business community that manpower will be deployed to ensure that no businesses close on Thursday, a remark reinforced by the County Commissioner, adding that they will use the Nyumba Kumi initiative to identify goons who infiltrate the county to bring unrest.
The directive comes after one person was shot dead in Kitengela on July 16 during anti-government protests as calls for President William Ruto to resign intensified. What began as peaceful demonstrations in the populous town turned chaotic after police officers deployed teargas on the protesters and engaged them in running battles.
As the situation escalated, General Service Unit (GSU) officers were deployed to support the police, who were at one point overwhelmed by the protesters. Videos circulating online showed demonstrators carrying the protester, who had been shot in the head, to a different location.
The ‘Nane Nane’ protests slated for August 8 represent the sternest test for security agencies who promised heightened security nationwide though not to an extent that is out of the ordinary. However, he affirmed that criminal elements will be dealt with firmly.
“Every Kenyan as per the law has liberty to demonstrate, picket and assemble as per the law. That one everyone is very much aware of and where the privilege of one ends is where the other starts,” said acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, who reiterated that Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate but peacefully and they have to live by the rule of law.
