The National Police Service (NPS) has clarified that it has not banned public demonstrations.
In a statement on July 19, acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said that the directive issued on July 17th was to merely alert the public of potential threats planned on that day.
“It is important to clarify that we have not banned public demonstrations. The nature of public demonstrations is dynamic, and intelligence regarding everyone’s safety and security is evolving and will continue to inform our planning and guidelines,” reads part of the statement.
Further, Kanja clarified that the law requires planners of demonstrations to inform the police by writing at least three days before but no more than fourteen days in advance and also indicate the area they intend to hold the march.
Also Read: Douglas Kanja: Profile of Ex-GSU Boss Picked as Acting Inspector General
“We remind the public that, in accordance with Section 5(3)(a) and (c) of the Public Order Act, any individual who intends to organize a public gathering or procession must notify the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in charge of the area in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days prior,” Kanja noted.
In addition, the IG emphasized that working together will enable the safeguarding of businesses and critical infrastructure from opportunistic criminal activities.
Court Suspends Police Ban on Protests
The acting IG’s statement came a day after the High Court of Kenya issued an order halting his directive prohibiting protests by Kenyan youth after a petition filed by Katiba Institute.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court ruled that the application against the demonstration ban be designated as urgent, and that it be heard as a priority.
Also Read: Boda Boda Riders Withdraw Support for Gen Z Protests, Issue Stern Warning
“Pending the inter-partes hearing of the Application dated 18/07/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the National Police Service’s decision carried in the Press Release dated 17/07/2024 that was titled “PLANNED PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS BY KENYAN YOUTHS ON JULY 18, 2024″ and which was signed by the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho CBS, OGW, in terms of its prohibition of any and all demonstrations within the Nairobi Central Business and its surrounding areas,” read part of the ruling.
The judge issued a conservatory order restraining the acting IG from applying or enforcing his impugned decision dated 17th July 2024.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
