The National Police Service (NPS) has issued fresh orders to political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders on the conduct of mass protests and political rallies as Kenya enters the electioneering period.
In a statement on September 5, the Service reminded political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders to comply with the Public Order Act, Cap. 56, while warning against political intolerance, violence, thuggery and disruption of lawful gatherings.
The NPS said incidents of political intolerance, violence and thuggery had been observed in various parts of the country.
“Such conduct undermines public order, threatens national cohesion, and infringes upon the constitutional rights of citizens to associate peacefully, assemble, and participate in political activities,” the Service said.
NPS Sets Rules for Rallies and Protests
The NPS reminded anyone planning a public meeting or procession to notify the regulating officer at least three days and no more than 14 days before the proposed date of the event.
Also Read: Ruto Issues Fresh Orders to Police on Goons
The regulating officer is the officer in charge of the police station in the area where the proposed meeting or procession is scheduled.
The notification must include the full names and physical address of the organiser, as well as the proposed site for the meeting.
For a procession, the organizer must provide the proposed route.
The proposed date and time must also be specified, with the event scheduled between 6 am and 6 pm.
Section 5(3)(b) further requires that the proposed date and time be specified, with the latter to fall between six o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the evening,” read part of the statement.
The NPS said that notifying and confirming planned meetings helps police provide effective, informed security coverage.
Police Can Stop Clashing Rallies
The Service also clarified what happens when two public gatherings are planned for the same location.
Under Section 5(4) of the Public Order Act, where it is not possible to hold a proposed meeting or procession because notice of another event has already been received for the same date, time and venue, the regulating officer must promptly inform the organizer.
Also Read: Super Metro Clarifies Claims of Ferrying Goons to Disrupt Gachagua Rally
NPS further cited Section 5(6), which provides that once an organizer has been notified that the proposed meeting cannot take place, the event cannot proceed on the originally proposed date, time or venue.
However, the organizer may hold the meeting or procession on a future date, subject to the requirements of the law and subsequent notification to the authorities.
“It may, however, subject to this section, be held on a future date as the organizer may subsequently notify,” stated NPS.
NPS called on political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders to uphold peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law.
The Service warned that no person is above the law, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or public office.
It further warned that individuals involved in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters, or disrupting lawful gatherings would be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.
Ruto Orders Police to Pursue Politicians Funding Goons
President William Ruto had earlier directed the National Police Service and other security agencies to pursue politicians accused of financing, recruiting or organizing goons to disrupt political meetings and intimidate opponents ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto gave the directive on Friday, August 28, while speaking at the passing-out parade of police recruits in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.
The President said security agencies should look beyond young people found carrying weapons and investigate those responsible for recruiting, transporting and financing them.
He warned politicians against using young people to cause violence or interfere with political activities, saying political ambitions should not be used to justify violence.
Ruto said individuals who finance, organize, incite or participate in political violence should be held accountable regardless of their political connections or influence.
He also cautioned police against arresting only youths found armed while failing to pursue those who recruited and paid them.
The President further said politicians have no right to maintain private militias or intimidate citizens, insisting that they pursue political objectives through peaceful and lawful means.
“Do not arrest only the young people holding a weapon while allowing the person who recruited, transported, and paid them to escape responsibility. No politician is entitled to a private militia. No candidate has the right to intimidate citizens. No political objectives can justify violence,” Ruto said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
