Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has affirmed his support for the constitutional right to peaceful assembly as the country prepares to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led protests.
This comes ahead of planned demonstrations on Wednesday, June 25, with protests expected in Nairobi County and several other counties across the country to honour those who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill protests last year.
Governor Sakaja, in a statement on Tuesday, called on both protestors and law enforcement to uphold peace, dignity, and the rule of law during the demonstrations scheduled for tomorrow in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
“Fellow Kenyans and Nairobians, as we mark one year of the Gen Z protests, I want to affirm that Nairobi City County supports the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the voices of our people are powerful and important in shaping the future of our nation,” he said
Sakaja acknowledged the energy, passion and civic engagement demonstrated, saying he stands with protestors in the right of lawful and peaceful expression.
Governor Sakaja sends message to NPS
The Governor also called on the National Police Service to exercise professionalism in handling the protests.
“My administration has made arrangements for any necessary support. In case of any emergency within the city, call our operation center at 1508, and our ambulances, doctors, fire engine, whatever you require, will be available to assist you. We have prepared for that, please stay safe,” he assured.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, also on Tuesday, cautioned protesters to steer clear of protected areas ahead of the planned demonstrations.
In a press briefing, IG Kanja noted that police officers shall act within the confines of the law to protect lives and property and urged the protesters to operate within the law while protesting, citing that the officers will remain vigilant.
The police boss also urged the public against provoking police officers during protests.
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Police assure security ahead of June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests
The development comes days after Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda reassured the public that security organs were prepared to enhance safety during the Wednesday protests.
“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter,” Seda said on June 18.
“As for June 25th, we have enhanced plans. We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central (Police Station).”
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Also, Commander Seda confirmed that police have received the official communication of the planned protests as required by the law.
“Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations. Let’s not have demonstrations which are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators,” he appealed.
“Remember, it will be a working day, and we shall be having people operating hotels, shops and other businesses. We are looking uncivilised when we start converging, and then as we continue, it turns violent and beats the logic of conducting it, which makes the situation worse.”
The Commander further urged demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid provoking law enforcement, which he said has resulted in violence as seen in the recent demonstrations.
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