Following the hike in fuel prices, Kenyans online expressed their dissatisfaction with the current regime by calling for protests on Tuesday next week, with posters circulating on social media.
In a press briefing on Friday, the police chief clarified that the NPS does not oppose picketing but noted that officers must be given a 14-day notice for all planned protests and public gatherings.
“We are aware of planned protests next week regarding fuel prices, but no notification has been given. This makes the protests unlawful, and we will take appropriate action,” he stated.
“On the conduct and facilitation of protests and public gatherings in Nairobi, we do not oppose picketing, but we facilitate lawful assemblies. This month, we have allowed 18 protests and processions. To protect against criminal infiltration of such events, organizers are required to give a 14-day notice. If notification is given less than the required period, the event will not be allowed.”
He added that the notice is crucial in ensuring the organisers don’t deviate from the agreed route or disrupt people’s properties.
“Of late, there has been a lot of impunity. We have noted that some organizers either fail to give notification or, if they do, deviate from the agreed route or engage in actions that disrupt peace,” he noted.
“This will not be allowed moving forward. We have also observed incidents where protestors turn violent or engage in theft; such actions will not be tolerated, and arrests will be made. Organizers of political rallies must comply with all requirements.”
On the issue of goons raining terror on Kenyans, the Nairobi police chief noted that they have intensified intelligence-led patrols to curb the crime space within the city.
“In Nairobi, we have arrested a total of 84 suspected gang members and goons. These include different types of criminal groups: 48 are linked to motorcycle gangs and goons, while 11 are land-based gangs, some of whom were found with weapons, including bows and arrows. We have also recovered 124 motorcycles, 48 of which are associated with these criminal groups,” he noted.
