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Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has outlawed any planned protests in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice.

In a statement issued late on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Acting IG noted that the protests in Nairobi and other areas have been banned due to a lack of proper leadership to coordinate with police to enable peaceful demonstrations.

He further noted that the police have placed an embargo on protests due to public safety.

“Acting on this information and in accordance with international security standards for public assemblies, which require a designated leader to coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with police for peaceful demonstrations, the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols.

“As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” the notice read in part.

Goons and looters

According to the Acting IG, the police have received incredible information on the plans by goons to infiltrate the protests and cause havoc.

To prevent criminal groups from looting and vandalising public property, the police have asked those planning to protest to call off their demos.

“In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting,” the statement added.

Appeal to public

Following the banning of protests in Nairobi, the acting police boss appealed to the public to share information that will enable security officers to track those planning to cause mayhem on Thursday, June 18, 2024.

“We therefore appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas, and to support our collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid the Police in crime detection and prevention.”

With police being accused of shooting a Kameme TV reporter Catherine Wanjeri in Nakuru during Tuesday, July 16, 2024 protests, the police have pledged to collaborate with the media for effective service delivery.

“As a Service, we wish to reiterate our commitment to partner with members of public and media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us.”

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