“We Have Not Banned Demonstrations” Acting IG Kanja Now Says

“We Have Not Banned Demonstrations” Acting IG Kanja Now Says

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has addressed the recent High Court decision that temporarily halted the enforced ban on demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

In a statement issued on Friday evening, Kanja acknowledged the court’s ruling and affirmed that the police service will respect citizens’ rights to participate in peaceful protests, as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution.

He explained that the notice issued on Wednesday regarding the ban was based on reliable intelligence concerning potential threats to public safety during the demonstrations.

While expressing gratitude to the public for refraining from planned protests on Thursday, Kanja clarified that the demonstrations were never actually prohibited in the first place.

“We appreciate the public’s cooperation in following the advisory and avoiding demonstrations within the Central Business District and nearby areas.

It is crucial to note that public demonstrations have not been banned,” Kanja stated.

“The nature of public demonstrations is constantly changing, and evolving intelligence on safety and security will continue to guide our planning and protocols.”

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Kanja also advised protest organizers to notify the police at least three days in advance to ensure the protection of businesses and critical infrastructure from potential criminal activities.

“We remind the public that, in line with Section 5(3)(a) and (c) of the Public Order Act, anyone planning to organize a public gathering or procession must inform the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance,” he said.

“The application must include the organizer’s full name, physical address, and details of the proposed location for the public meeting or the intended route for the procession.”

On Thursday afternoon, Justice Bahati Mwamuye suspended the police ban on demonstrations pending a review of a petition filed by the Katiba Institute.

The Katiba Institute contended that it is in the public’s best interest to allow people to peacefully demonstrate without weapons and that the police should protect those who assemble rather than use excessive force against them.

“We Have Not Banned Demonstrations” Acting IG Kanja Now Says