Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei has announced that the much-anticipated Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition protests are illegal.
While addressing the press on Sunday, March 19, 2023, the police boss asserted that the protests set for Monday, March 20, 2023, will not be allowed. He insisted that the protests did not meet the threshold under Public Order Act.
"The public order act of 2012 is very clear, if a protest is not within the framework of that order then it is illegal," he stated.
Bungei noted that two groups had requested to hold peaceful protests on that day but none was granted a permit due to safety reasons.
"We are in receipt of two requests that came late yesterday and today in the morning. One was from Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya and another from the Nairobi business community. The two groups intended to have peaceful demos. But for public safety none has been granted," he stated.
While insisting that they did not meet the threshold to be allowed to protest, the police commander warned that any individual caught breaking the law will be dealt with accordingly.
"Any person who will breach the peace or break the law during the procession shall be dealt with according to the law," he said.
He subsequently assured Kenyans that police will safeguard their properties and lives ahead of the demos expected tomorrow.
"We wish to assure all Kenyans and persons of goodwill within the city of Nairobi that we have taken appropriate security measures to ensure public safety and freedom of movement to all Kenyans. We promise Kenyans that we are ready to secure their lives and properties tomorrow," he added.
Further, the police commander cautioned that State House is restricted. He warned that any unauthorised person who attempts to access the premises will face dire consequences.
"I want to underline some areas such as State House where we have heard people planning to invade or visit is covered by the laws of Kenya that it is a restricted area for unauthorised persons," he warned.
