No more violent protests, with or without notice- Another warning from Kindiki ahead of Maandamano Thursdays.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Interior cabinet secretary, Kithure Kindiki warned Kenyans to distance themselves from violent protests.
He stated that what the country has witnesses so far is not anywhere close to what the rule of law pertains.
He stated,”No more violent protests shall be allowed anywhere in Kenya. With or without notices, demonstrations and protests of any type which injure people, security officers, businesses and property shall be prevented at all costs.”
“The unfolding situation portends grave danger to the rule of law and the stability of our country. The violence, looting, destruction of public amenities, disruption of daily activities and invasion of private property portend real and imminent danger of our country sliding into irretrievable anarchy. These criminal acts must cease,” he added.
Kindiki who has been silent ever since the protests started, highlighted the violence against the law enforcers that compelled them to act against the citizens.
Kindiki stated,”Pursuant to Section 5(2), (6) and (10) of the Public Order Act (Cap. 56, Laws of Kenya), the police were compelled by their constitutional and legal mandate to prevent the holding of the protests whereupon orders of dispersal of the protestors were issued for the safety of both the protestors and the affected non-protesters and third parties.”
Notably, he defended the police’s slow response to the raid that happened at Northlands ranch.
He stated,”While the quick action of the police and private security guards repulsed the Industrial Area criminals, action to protect the Ruiru property was not as quick owing to operational constraints caused by the protests that were taking place.”
Further, Kindiki stated that no protests will be allowed anywhere in the country, he is yet to issue directives to the police, on what will be done.
He stated,”exercise of the powers conferred by Article 245 (4) and (5) of the Constitution, I shall be issuing policy directives to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, which directives shall take effect on 31st March 2023.”
Also read CS Kindiki explains why police were slow to intervene the Northlands raid