Day primary and secondary schools remain closed in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu following order

Primary and secondary learning institutions in three counties profiled as violence hotspots in today’s anti-government protests running up to Friday have remained closed following yesterday’s decree by government.

The government has ordered the closure of all-day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi and Mombasa and Kisumu ahead of anti-government demonstrations by the opposition’s Azimio One Kenya Coalition decrying high cost of living and alleged maladministration by the president William Ruto’s led Kenya Kwanza Administration.

A spot check today morning by The Informer Media Group across the three cities showed all day schools, both public and private have not opened as directed in a joint statement by the Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and his Education counterpart Ezekiel Machogu.

The government termed today’s closure of learning institutions as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of school children.

However, similar situations were replicated in Meru, Nyamira and Kilifi.

There are also fears the closure could be extended in the opposition led by Raila Odinga makes good their threat to sustain the peaceful demos tomorrow and Friday as they had indicated.

Yesterday evening, a statement dispatched from Harambee House indicated that the government has received credible security intelligence that criminal elements planning to unleash terror and violence on the public.

“The Government has received credible security intelligence that criminal elements planning to unleash terror and violence on the public tomorrow intend to engage in armed skirmishes with security agencies around certain schools within Nairobi and Mombasa Counties.” The joint statement read in part.

“As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of school children, it has been decided that ALL day Primary and Secondary schools within Nairobi and Mombasa counties shall remain closed tomorrow” they stated.

A further statement was immediately after issued including Kisumu as one of the hotspots affected by the decree.

“The Ministry of Education will announce the resumption of learning in the aforesaid schools upon assessment of the security situation in the course of Wednesday.” The statement adds in part.

At the same time, yesterday, the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome declared today’s planned illegal.

Koome termed the demonstrations organised by the opposition as a threat to national security.

He threatened that any demonstrations taking place will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The National Police Service (NPS) takes cognizance of the information circulating via the media, of planned demonstrations in various parts of the Country from tomorrow, Wednesday July 19-21, 2023.  Contrary to the legal requirements, no organizers/planners of the purported demonstrations have notified the Police of such gatherings.” Koome said

He added that: “We wish to inform the public that any demonstrations that will be held in any part of Kenya on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, will be dealt with promptly in accordance with the law.”

He regretted that recent similar demonstrations had left trails of destruction of property, injuries, and loss of lives adding that it was a clear indication that such demonstrations are nothing but a threat to national security.

Further, he announced that the National Police Service will carry out its mandate of maintaining law and order to protect life, property and preserve peace.

“We therefore urge all law-abiding members of the public to carry on with their daily activities, and commend all NPS Officers for their continued patriotism, selfless and dedicated service to our country.” Koome affirmed.