The National Police Service (NPS) has officially banned the youth-led demonstrations planned for Thursday, citing significant concerns over criminal infiltration. This decision, announced by Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kirocho, follows a series of protests that began in June, which have resulted in substantial losses, including injuries, deaths, and widespread property damage.
Kirocho highlighted the alarming trend of disorderly conduct and destruction that has plagued the protests, attributing these issues to criminal elements that have infiltrated the protesting groups. “Since the demonstrations began, we have witnessed enormous losses in terms of injuries, deaths, and the destruction of property and businesses,” Kirocho stated.
Constitutional Rights and Security Concerns
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration as enshrined in Article 37, Kirocho emphasized the NPS’s constitutional duty to maintain national security. He explained that credible intelligence indicates organized criminal groups are planning to exploit the protests for looting and other nefarious activities.
“In line with our role in ensuring national security, we have obtained credible intelligence that organized criminal groups intend to exploit these protests for looting and other attacks,” Kirocho explained.
Lack of Designated Leadership
A critical factor in the decision to ban the demonstrations is the absence of designated leadership within the protesting groups, which has hindered the enforcement of safety protocols. According to international security standards for public assemblies, having a designated leader is essential for coordinating with police to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
“The lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols,” Kirocho noted. “This is a serious concern for maintaining public order and safety.”
Public Safety Measures
To mitigate the risks and ensure public safety, Kirocho declared that no demonstrations would be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice. He urged the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support collective safety efforts by reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“We appeal to the public to stay vigilant and share any information that could aid the police in crime detection and prevention,” Kirocho said. “Public safety is our top priority, and we need everyone’s cooperation to keep our country secure.”
Commitment to Collaboration
In his concluding remarks, Kirocho reiterated the NPS’s commitment to partnering with the public and the media to maintain safety and security across the country. “We wish to reiterate our commitment to partnering with members of the public and the media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us,” he said.
As the situation continues to evolve, the NPS remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any security challenges, ensuring that the rights and safety of all citizens are upheld.
