Police say protesters must follow the law during Nane Nane demonstrations

The National Police Service has insisted that people planning to participate in the planned protests tomorrow must follow the law.

Dubbed the Nane Nane Protest, the demonstrations, said to be a nationwide march to the Nairobi central business district, are part of the ongoing push for reforms in governance and accountability in the country.

On Wednesday, Acting Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli hinted that the police had not received any notice of the planned protests.

"The National Police Service is privy to the social media reports of the surmised public demonstrations dubbed Nane Nane planned for August 8, 2024, across the country. In brief, all those planning to exercise their rights of participation in public demonstrations, presenting petitions or assembling, should do so in compliance with the attendant laws," he said.

He said Article 37 of the Constitution provides that every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities.

"Article 37 is further operationalised by Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which provides for the regulation of public meetings and processions. The Public Order Act requires that any person intending to convene a public meeting or public procession shall notify the regulating officer (OCS) in writing, of such intent at least three days but not more than fourteen days before the proposed date of the public meeting or procession, indicating the venue or route of the procession," Masengeli said.

Acting IG Gilbert Masengeli addresses the media at Jogoo House, Nairobi, on August 7, 2024 accompanied by DCI director Mohamed Amin. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

He also warned that whereas citizens have rights to demonstrate and hold public processions, Article 24 (1) (d) of the Constitution calls for "the need to ensure that the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and fundamental freedoms of others".

He noted that while the initial demonstrations that were held by Gen Z in June were peaceful, the subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property.

Heightened security threats

"Many Police Officers and civilians have equally been left either injured or dead. Already, our intelligence reports indicate that there are heightened security threats to the country, with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow's demonstrations and commit further crimes," he said.

He said in anticipation of the demonstrations, the police service has ensured adequate deployment of security personnel and urged the public to take extra caution while in crowded areas, noting they are likely to turn riotous.

"We also wish to caution members of the public against contravening the Kenya Civil Aviation Act and Protected Areas Act by avoiding trespass of protected areas such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and State House and state lodges," Masengeli said.

The service also urged all police officers to remain focused while discharging their constitutional mandate which is to protect life and property, maintain law and order, and they should do so without fear or favour.

"Fellow Kenyans, this country is all we have. Every one of us, therefore, has a responsibility to keep our country safe," Masengeli said.