Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has banned protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) until further notice.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 17, Kanja disclosed that the decision was meant to ensure public safety as the police had received intelligence that organised criminal groups were planning to take advantage of protests to execute various forms of crime including looting.
"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.
“As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” Kanja remarked.
The acting IG further noted that the lack of leadership in previous protests made it difficult to ensure safety protocols.
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He asked the public to remain vigilant and support the police by sharing any information that would aid in crime detection and prevention.
"We therefore appeal to 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," Kanja stated.
His statement comes after protests turned chaotic on Tuesday, July 16, in some parts of the country, resulting in many injuries including the shooting of a journalist in Nakuru.
There were areas where protesters looted goods in Kitengelea and Nairobi resulting in losses for entrepreneurs who are calling on the government to provide more protection to their premises.
The anti-government protests resume today, Thursday, July 18.
Despite the ban, Article 37 of the Kenyan constitution allows Kenyans to protest peacefully.
"Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities," Article 37 of the constitution reads.
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