Inspector General (IG) of Police Japheth Koome has denied reports of granting permission to Kenyans to protest against the Finance Bill 2024 on July 20, 2024.
Through the National Police Service, the IG indicated that the statement that has been circulated online with conditions for the protests across the country is fake.
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In the flagged notice, Koome had authorized Kenyans to hold the protest at parliament road outside parliament, asking protestor to maintain peace and order throughout the duration of the strike.
“Any form of violence, vandalism, or unlawful activity will not be tolerated and will result in the immediate revocation of this permission and potential legal action,
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“A liaison officer will be assigned to work with the organizers to ensure compliance with all conditions. The safety of the participants and the general public is paramount, ” the statement read in part.
Also Read: IG Koome Asked to Give Police Body Cameras, Drones to Counter Protesters
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Concerns Over IG Koome Role During the Protest
The notice came as activists across the country who are organizing the occupy parliament protest raised concerns over the security of protestors against police officer.
Activist Boniface Mwangi raised an alarm that there were Members of Parliament who intended to interfere with the peaceful protests to push the Finance Bill agenda. He called on Kenyans to reach out to their MPs and warn them against the move.
“We are aware that Kenya Kwanza MPs from Nairobi are organizing goons to infiltrate tomorrow’s protest and cause chaos.
“Message your Kenya Kwanza Nairobi MP, and let them know we know, and we won’t be intimidated. National Police Inspector general, we expect your protection from hired criminals,” he said in a statement.
Also Read: Kenyans Defy Gov’t Warning on Circulating MPs’ Contacts
IPOA Sends Message to the IG
Earlier, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) asked Inspector General (IG) of Police Japheth Koome to equip police officers with body cameras and drones to effectively manage and counter protesters.
the authority said in a statement that it would ensure that police officers in operations are properly and adequately kitted for their safety.
“Pursuant to Section 6 (c) of the IPOA Act, the Authority yesterday, 18th June 2024 commenced monitoring activities and deployed its officers to observe and monitor how the National Police Service conducted public order management during the demonstrations over the Finance Bill in Nairobi and Mombasa counties,” IPOA said in a statement.
“The authority recommends that the Service upscales its capacity towards technology-driven surveillance including employment of drone technology and body cameras for enhanced accountability during public order management.”
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