Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei has said the anti-government protests organized by Azimio coalition will not be allowed in the capital city.
Bungei while speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, April 30 stated that the opposition will not be permitted to demonstrate despite issuing a notice that they will carry out their protests on May 2.
He noted that Azimio has failed to show goodwill in previous demonstrations.
According to the Regional Police Commander, the Raila Odinga-led coalition has not met the threshold of peaceful demonstrations stipulated in Section 37 of the constitution and Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
Moreover, Commander Bungei alleged that Azimio violated section 5 of the Public Order Act, which permits peaceful and unarmed demonstrations.
“As much as you are allowed by article 37 (to protest) there is also subsection 5 of the same that allows the police to regulate the same procession,” he said.
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“Assemblies which are not peaceful are excluded from protection of the article. Once you do not meet the requirements of section 5 then we have the mandate to ensure that it is regulated and managed.” The Commander added.
He further noted that the anti-government protests have led to the destruction of property and loss of lives, hence, making them unfit to hold more demonstrations.
“Previous demonstrations were marred with violence as the demonstrators were armed with machetes and attacked members of the public resulting in the destruction of public property and loss of lives,” said Bungei.
“By this, we are declining to allow the Azimio team the go-ahead to proceed with the demonstration and any such demonstration will be dispersed by law enforcement officers.” He stated.
Furthermore, the Nairobi police boss said law and order would be enforced to “ensure Kenyans’ safety.”
“This indicates very clearly to Kenyans of goodwill that there will be no demonstrations in the city of Nairobi.” He noted.