Raila backs Gen Zs protest as Kanja warns against provoking police officers
He warns protesters against attempting to access protected areas
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended plans to hold demonstrations tomorrow in memory of the over 60 youths who were killed by Parliament on June 25 last year when Gen Z breached security and stormed Parliament after MPs passed the controversial Finance Bill.
Speaking in Mombasa, Raila noted that Article 37 of the Constitution provides that every Kenyan has the right to peacefully picket, demonstrate and present petitions to public authorities as wrong as the give prior notification.
“Every Kenyan has a right, without any weapon, to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions to the government. This right is provided for in our Constitution,” the ODM leader, who has denied betraying Gen Zs by forming a broad-based government with President William Ruto after last year’s revolt, said.
According to Raila, those who want to engage in protests must first inform the government and explain their intention of holding the protests.
“They must state the date, the route they will take to where it will take place and the time it will start and end. This is what happens in all the nations across the world. The other day, you saw protests in Iran, London, Paris, India and even in America; they first informed the police,” he added.
Speaking at a press conference at Jogoo House, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja called on the demonstrators to operate within the law, adding police will remain vigilant but shall act within the confines of the law to protect lives and properties.
He also warned against attempting to access protected areas, which include State House and Parliament.
During the brief press conference, the police chief reiterated President Ruto’s earlier warning against provoking police officers during the demos. He declined to take questions from journalists.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda has previously confirmed that organisers of tomorrow’s rallies in the city notified the police and pledged to provide security for both the protestors and others going about their business.
“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter. As for June 25th, we have enhanced plans. We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central”
“Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations. Let’s not have demonstrations which are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators. Remember, it will be a working day and we shall be having people operating hotels, shops and other businesses. We are looking uncivilised when we start converging, and then as we continue, it turns violent and beats the logic of conducting it, which makes the situation,” he said on June 18.
Seda warned against engaging in lawlessness during the protests.
“We have a duty to protect all Kenyans and maintain order. Anyone planning to engage in lawlessness under the guise of protest will face legal consequences,” he said.
Security is expected to be tight in the capital and other cities and towns were similar protests have been planned with many business expected to close for fear of looting.
Public Service Vehicles (PSV) operators have also said they are keenly monitoring the situation and may stay of the roads, a move likely to affect commuters.
The police have warned goons from attempting to take advantage of the protests to loot and destroy property as happened last week during protests over the death of teacher-turned-blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in a police cell at Central Police Station after being tortured.
The ministry of Interior has, meanwhile, issued guidelines that the protestors will take during the demonstrations, which will culminate with an assembly at Uhuru Park.
According to the guidelines posted on its social media handles, they will be required to express their views peacefully, stay within the designated zones of protest, move with a group of protesters and protest within the legally allowed time.
However, they are prohibited from provoking the police, interfering with the peace of non-protestors, refrain from attempting to breach designated areas, avoid spreading propaganda and not carry any weapons.
