Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued a stern warning to protestors who plan to march towards the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport (JKIA).
Speaking to the press on Tuesday morning, Kanja said that the National Police Service (NPS) was not issued with a notice of the protests therefore the demonstrations are unauthorized.
Additionally, he said that protestors will not be allowed to access any protected area in the country, warning that swift and firm action will be taken against those who dare do so.
“The service reiterates that protected areas are out of bounds to unauthorized persons as indicated in the Protected Areas Act. For avoidance of doubt, they include among others the LPG brands and the Bitumen Plant, and petroleum depots located at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA).
“All unauthorized parties are hereby warned not to trespass protected areas. Any person who trespasses on any land forming part of government protected areas commits an offence punishable by the law. The security of our country is the responsibility of all Kenyans,” he said.
Also Read: US Embassy Issues Warning to Americans in Kenya Ahead of Protests
Police IG Protestors Failing to Issue Notification
Kanja has said that protestors could have easily stopped the unrest in the country by informing NPS on time and allow officers to provide protection in accordance with the law.
Further, he has commended police across the country for doing a good job during such a difficult time, urging them to uphold the law without fear of discrimination or favour.
“Any person who breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly, firmly and decisively in accordance with the law. I wish to commend all officers serving in the country and call upon them without fear of intimidation.
“This state of disorder would have been completely avoidable had the demonstrators taken into consideration the simple legal provisions under the public order act that requires organizers of protests to inform the police or the regulating officers in time as led by the constitution. “
Additionally, he called on members of the public to surrender any information to help apprehend law breakers and goons to the nearest police officers reiterating that no one will be allowed inside the airport without permission.
“We will not allow people to enter JKIA without permission. Kenyans should remember that we do not have another country called Kenya. We have to make sure there is peace in this country,” said Kanja.
Also Read: New Police IG Sends Warning to Protesters Hours to Planned Gen Zs Demos
Occupy JKIA Planned Protests
In an open letter to the President, Gen Zs announced plans to hold protests towards the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport until their demands are met by the government.
“We, the people of Kenya, will take to the streets on Tuesday, the 23rd, without fail,” the letter declared.
“We will occupy all Towns, Cities, Major Roads and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport every day until change comes,” the letter stated.
Moreover, the United States embassy issued an alert to its citizens in Kenya, warning that the protests could take place near government buildings, adding that roads across the country may also be blocked.
At the same time, US Citizens in Kenya were warned that although protests in Kenya may seem peaceful, they can become violent any time with police officers using live ammunitions in some instances.
On the other hand, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Airways issued an alert advising travellers to arrive early at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to avoid any delays in catching their flights.
Kenya Airways asked customers to get to the airport four hours earlier to avoid potential delays.
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