Kajiado County Commissioner, James Taari, has announced that bars and entertainment joints in Kitengela will close from 11pm tonight ahead of the planned Nane Nane protests.
While addressing the Kitengela business community on Wednesday August 7, Taari stated that this measure will help monitor protesters coming in from other counties.
He further banned the Nane Nane protests in Kitengela and anywhere along the Nairobi-Namanga-Arusha Highway.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, on his part, has asked traders to open their businesses tomorrow, assuring them that their establishments will be safeguarded against any potential disruptions during the anti-government demonstrations.
“I urge all traders to open their businesses tomorrow. We shall protect them,” he affirmed.
Kitengela Residents Warned of Nane Nane Protests
During a consultative meeting in Kitengela town, which was also attended by Kajiado East Member of Parliament (MP) Kakuta Maimai, Governor Lenku emphasized the importance of maintaining order and issued a stern warning to those planning to exploit the demonstrations for unlawful activities.
“I warn anyone intending to take advantage of the demonstrations that we are ready to face them. We are leaving no room for looting or any mischief tomorrow in Kajiado urban centres,” Lenku said.
Also Read: Nane Nane Protests: US Embassy Issues Advisory to Americans
“Kitengela, and indeed, any urban centre in Kajiado, will not be a theatre of hooliganism in the name of anti-government demonstrations.”
The Governor promised action for goons who always come to distort peace and security of Kitengela residents and the business community.
Lenku said that past incidents witnessed in Kitengela since the onset of protests have left many businesses and properties destroyed.
He added that they will use the Nyumba Kumi initiative to identify goons who infiltrate the county to bring unrest.
Roadblocks have been erected along Mombasa Road at Namanga ahead of tomorrow’s Nane Nane march in Nairobi.
A person Shot Dead in Kitengela
The directive comes after one person was shot dead in Kitengela, on July 16 during anti-government protests as calls for President William Ruto to resign intensified.
What began as peaceful demonstrations in Kitengela town turned chaotic after police officers deployed teargas on the protesters and enganged the protesters in running battles.
Also Read: Nane Nane Watch: All You Need to Know About Planned March
As the situation escalated, General Service Unit (GSU) officers were deployed to support the police, who were at one point overwhelmed by the protesters.
Videos circulating online showed demonstrators carrying the protester, who had been shot in the head, to a different location.
NPS Speaks on Planned Protests
Meanwhile, acting Inspector General (IG) Gilbert Masengeli stated on August 6 that Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate but must do so peacefully. He reiterated that all Kenyans must adhere to the rule of law.
“We are governed by the Rome statute and the Kenyan Constitution,” he said, and affirmed that criminal elements will be dealt with firmly.
“On Gen Zs, they have a message, and they have been heard. It is upon us now to differentiate between Gen Zs and opportunists who take advantage of those riots to cause mayhem, destruction of property and acts of violence that are not allowed by the Law,” the acting IG added.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
