Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has made a U-turn on banning anti-government protests in Nairobi.
In a statement on Friday, July 19, Kanja said that the National Police Service has not banned public demonstrations.
He defended his earlier directive saying there was credible intelligence of potential threats linked to the anti-government protests.
“On July 17, 2024, we issued a notice based on credible intelligence, alerting the public of potential threats associated with the planned demonstrations. We appreciate the public's cooperation in adhering to the advisory and refraining from holding demonstrations within the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
“It is important to clarify that we have not banned public demonstrations. The nature of public demonstrations is dynamic, and intelligence regarding everyone's safety and security is evolving and will continue to inform our planning and guidelines,” said Kanja.
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At the same time, the acting IG asked individuals intending to organize protests to notify the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in charge of the area in writing at least three days prior.
Kanja noted that the application should specify the full name and physical address of the organizer, as well as the proposed site of the public meeting or the proposed route in the case of a public procession.
“Working together, we can ensure the safety of demonstrators while balancing the needs of the broader community. This includes safeguarding businesses from opportunistic criminal activities and ensuring access to critical services and infrastructure,” he added.
On Wednesday, July 17, Kanja banned anti-government protests in the Nairobi CBD until further notice.
However, the ban was suspended by the High Court after the Katiba Institute filed a petition challenging the acting IG’s decision.
“Pending the inter-partes hearing of the Application dated 18/07/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the National Police Service's decision carried in the Press Release dated 17/07/2024 that was titled "Planned Public Demonstrations By Kenyan Youths On July 18, 2024" and which was signed by the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho CBS, OGW, in terms of its prohibition of any and all demonstrations within the Nairobi Central Business and its surrounding areas,” Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered.
The High Court Judge also directed Kanja to circulate the court order to all police officers and the public by Friday, July 19, 2024, and file evidence of the same in court.
