Acting IG Kanja warns protesters against breaching JKIA

Kenyans participating in tomorrow's protests will be required to abide by the legal provisions of protected areas, acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the IG said the police will be steadfast in protecting protected areas whose access requires certain protocols as dictated by law for security purposes.

"The protected areas Cap 204 of the laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorised persons into areas that have been declared to be protected areas. Protected areas, as clarified under its Legal Notice Number 9 of 2011, second schedule include the LPG plant, the Bitumen plant, and petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA)," he said in the statement.

Consequently, all persons participating in tomorrow's protests will be required to abide by these laws and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with the protected areas.

"The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws," he warned.

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addresses the press at Jogoo House, Nairobi on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV

The warning follows planned anti-government protests that, according to online posters, will see participants occupy the airport and major highways, among them Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Kariobangi roundabout, Lang'ata Road, and Magadi Road.

"In addition, Kenya Civil Aviation Act number 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a government aerodrome or an aerodrome licenced under regulations made under this Act commits an offence punishable by law," the IG added.

To avert security challenges at the airport, the Kenya Airports Authority has notified passengers of heightened security checks tomorrow, urging them to liaise with their airlines on the latest flight information.

"Due to heightened security checks at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights," the authority said.

President William Ruto, while speaking in Bomet on Sunday, vowed that he will ''protect the nation'' saying he had already given everybody a chance to air their views. Ruto is frustrated by the Gen Z-led protests which are leaderless and formless, especially after the demonstrators forced him to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 and fire his entire Cabinet save for Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

"I dropped the Finance Bill, I called them to come to the table and talk to me, they refused and asked me to go to X, I went there but they ran away. I have called them for talks but they have refused saying they are faceless and formless.''

"I have told them, my friends, It must now come to an end, I have given a chance to everybody to say whatever they want, it can't continue like this, the country is more important than any group of people, we must stand together as a nation and protect our nation,'' he said.

The entrance to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi. (Photo: Handout)