Disquiet as police deny permission for tomorrow’s protest, terming it illegal.
Nairobi regional commander, Bungei, held a press release on sunday and stated that tomorrow’s protest is not licensed.
He stated,”We are in receipt of requests. One that came last evening and one today morning. One from Azimio la Umoja and one from Businessmen Nairobi community. However, both do not meet the thresholds of the law and their requests were therefore denied.”
“The Public Order Act Section 5 states any person intending to holding a protest must notify the police three days prior but not more than 14 days,” he added.
He additionally warned anyone who will defy this and try to access state house, peacefully or not, will face the wrath of the law.
He stated,”State house has been mentioned as an area of concern. Under laws of Kenya, it is an unauthorized area. Kenyans must be guided by the law, not persons of interest. You are not allowed in certain areas, whether peacefully or not.”
“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 at all levels. However, we hereby caution that any person that will breach the peace or break the law during the procession shall be dealt with decisively according to the law,”
However, Disquiet as police deny permission for tomorrow’s mass action has been witnessed.
One tweep wrote,”The constitution only provides for notification of the police not to ask for permission. Article 37 will take effect on Monday.”
Opiyo Wandayi wrote,”Kenyans do not require permission from any person or authority to exercise their right as provided for under Article 37 of the Constitution. Any statute law or edict purporting to limit that right is unconstitutional, null and void ab initio. The mass action is on!”
Fadhil expressed,”The Kenyan police have the utmost responsibility in ensuring peaceful protests. We’ve seen what happened in Kisumu and Migori in the build up to tomorrow’s major demonstrations, I think the police are right to call it off. Article 37 only talks of “peaceful” protests.”
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