Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has condemned the use of live ammunition, water cannons and tear gas in residential areas.
Passaris said the police violated the rights of innocent people who were not part of the Tuesday, July 23, 2024, anti-government protests.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislature further stated that the residential areas should be protected from police brutality.
“Very sad. I lack words. Shame. Shame. Shame. Kenya Police Force you are out of line. It’s totally out of line. Shame on you. Residential areas should be out of bounds for water canons; tear gas and live ammunition. You have gone overboard. stop this abuse of power on innocent women and children,” she said.
Passaris revealed that she would be seeking answers in parliament on the reasons why the acting Inspector General (IG) of police Douglas Kanja deployed the officers to residential areas in the middle of the night.
“OMG. God Help Kenya. This is so wrong. The acting IG of the Kenya police should give a full report on what they are doing in these residential areas in the dead of the night. My prayers are with you, my people. I shall seek the answers in Bunge tomorrow. Stay safe. Stay strong,” she revealed.
As part of the ongoing countrywide anti-government demonstrations a section of Nairobi protesters on July 23, 2024, staged a protest along the outring road in an attempt to occupy the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The residents of Pipeline estate in Embakasi South Nairobi county were caught in the middle of the running battle between the protesters and the police who were using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.
Police directive on JKIA occupation
On Monday, July 22, 2024, the National Police Service issued a directive on the yesterday’s demonstrations.
The acting IG warned the demonstrators against trespassing on the JKIA stating that it is a protected area that has legal boundaries.
“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,” Kanja warned.
“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, includes the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA).”
Kanja further urged the anti-government demonstrators to refrain from the attempt to enter the legally protected areas.
“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,” he said.