The police have said tomorrow’s planned protests by the Azimio One Kenya Coalition leaders and supporters is illegal since permit to picketing has not been granted and warned that State House is a restricted installation out of bounds to unauthorised persons.
Addressing the media at the New Provincial Police headquarters in Nairobi, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei has warned Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his supporters against attempting invading State House in their tomorrow’s protest.
“We are in receipt of two requests that came late yesterday and today in the m morning. One was from Azimio la Umoja One Kenya and another from the Nairobi business community. The two groups intended to have peaceful demos. But for public safety none has been granted.” Bungei said.
While acknowledging that it is the constitutional right for unarmed persons to assemble, picket and participate in peaceful protests, Bungei said the same must conform to the Public Order Act 2012.
“I want to tell Kenyans that tomorrow is business as usual, as National Police Service we shall perform our mandate as guided by the law. Any person who will breach the peace or break the law during the procession shall be dealt with according to the law. The public Order Act of 2012 is very clear, if a protest is not within the framework of that order then it is illegal.” The police boss added.
Raila unlawfully declared Monday, March 20, 2023, a ‘public holiday’ to allow Kenyans to participate in planned demonstrations.
Raila and his team are adamant that the demonstrations will proceed as planned despite calls by religious leaders to seek alternative avenues to address their grievances.
Raila provided a fifteen point demands that he wants addressed among them the high cost of living and electoral reforms among others.