Acting IG Kanja Issues Protest Ban in Nairobi CBD Following Violent Incidents
Nairobi, Kenya – In a decisive move, Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has prohibited all demonstrations within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and its surroundings, scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The National Police Service (NPS) has gathered credible intelligence indicating that organized criminal groups plan to exploit the protests for criminal activities, including attacks and looting.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Kanja emphasized the NPS’s commitment to respecting human life while maintaining public safety. He expressed regret over the violence and property damage caused by criminal infiltration of initially peaceful protests. “While the constitution under Article 37 provides for the right to assemble and picket to present petitions to public authorities, it equally mandates the NPS to uphold national security,” Kanja stated.
The lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has complicated efforts to maintain safety protocols, leading to the ban. Kanja urged the public to cooperate with police efforts to ensure order on Thursday, highlighting the importance of vigilance in crowded areas and encouraging the sharing of information to aid crime prevention.
This statement follows chaotic protests on Tuesday in various parts of the country, which resulted in several injuries due to clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Notably, three individuals, including a journalist, were allegedly shot during anti-government protests in Nakuru.
In Machakos, protesters attempted to storm a police station, while in Kericho, hired youths fled after being repelled by demonstrators.
In Mlolongo, Machakos County, two men were shot dead, and five motorcycles were torched during the protests. Additional fatalities and injuries were reported in Kibwezi, Makueni County.
ALSO READ: Kenya Power Announces Outages Across Five Counties This Thursday
Acting IG Kanja Issues Protest Ban in Nairobi CBD Following Violent Incidents
