Acting Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja lamented that since the commencement of the demonstrations by the Gen Z in June this year, the country has experienced enormous losses
The National Police Service has announced that it has banned protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and its environs. This is response to the planned demonstrations by Kenyan youth on Thursday, July 18.
In a press statement, Acting Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja lamented that since the commencement of the demonstrations by the Gen Z in June this year, the country has experienced enormous losses, that is, people have been injured, lives lost, property and businesses destroyed, and livelihoods lost.
The police boss also revealed that criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct.
Kanja was however quick to note that while the Constitution of Kenya under Article 37 provides for the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to picket, to demonstrate and to present petitions to public authorities, the Constitution equally provides for the critical role that the National Police Service plays in the national security of the country.
“In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting.
“Acting on this information and in accordance with international security standards for public assemblies, which require a designated leader to coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with police for peaceful demonstrations, the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols. As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” Kanja stated in part.
He appealed to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support the police’s collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid them in crime detection and prevention.
“As a Service, we wish to reiterate our commitment to partner with members of the public and media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us,” he added.
More to follow…