The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued an ultimatum to Azimio One Kenya Coalition leaders and protestors that they will be arrested and prosecuted if they incite or destroy property in the course of their demonstrations.
At the same time, the CS assured Kenyans of their safety tomorrow as the opposition plans to take to the streets in Nairobi and other parts of the country to stage anti-government mass protests.
“Any person who incites public disorder or otherwise breaches the peace in any part of the Republic of Kenya shall be prosecuted. The government assures the public of their safety and advises everyone to continue with their activities uninterrupted and allow security agencies to discharge their mandate of maintaining law and order.” Kindiki said through a quick dispatch to newsrooms.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga remained adamant that the protests are still on despite the National Police Service through Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei declaring tomorrow’s planned demo illegal.
However, while addressing faithful at the ATG Deliverance Church in Ongata Rongai, Raila maintained that the they still hold tomorrow a ‘public holiday’.
He dismissed claims that police have not been notified adding that the work of the police is not to give clearance and picketing permits, rather, to protect lives and property.
“That is nonsense (Huo ni upuzi). Police, their work is to protect civilians (kazi yao ni kulinda wananchi). The duty of the police is to protect the people. Not to license protests. They are only served with the notice and that’s what the Constitution says,” he said at ATG Deliverance Church in Ongata Rongai, Nairobi.
Raila added that Wycliffe Oparanya, chair of the Azimio National Executive Council, wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, informing him of their plans to hold demonstrations in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
They are planning to march to State House – a place that is officially gazetted as a protected area and Kindiki warned that no unauthorised access will be allowed.
“It is hereby notified for information of the general public that pursuant to the Protected Areas Act (CAP 204 of the Laws of Kenya), security agencies shall prevent unauthorized access to all protected areas.” Kindiki added.
Kindiki also dismissed a declaration by Raila that tomorrow is a public holiday.
“Monday March 20, 2023 is a normal working day. All week day activities including learning in schools and other educational institutions shall proceed normally,” said the CS.
Kindiki further adds that any persons who will incite public disorder will be persecuted.