NPS calls for calm ahead of Saba Saba protests, warns against police provocation
In a statement issued by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the police service reminded Kenyans that interference with law enforcement officers is a serious criminal offence that will be met with firm legal action.
The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a stern warning ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, urging the public not to antagonise or provoke police officers on duty and cautioning that anyone who does so will be dealt with within the confines of the law.
The Saba Saba protests, which commemorate the historic July 7, 1990 demonstrations that led to the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya, come at a time of growing public frustration over issues including poor governance, police killings and a struggling economy.
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In a statement issued by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the police service reminded Kenyans that the interference with law enforcement officers is a serious criminal offence that will be met with firm legal action.
"The public is cautioned against provoking police officers who, by law, are out on duty to maintain peace and order," NPS said.
"Interference with law enforcement in any confrontational conduct undermines the rule of law and is a serious criminal offence. Such acts are unacceptable and shall be handled with the deserved seriousness."
Further, NPS stated that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, any unlawful behaviour, including carrying weapons, looting or inciting violence, will not be tolerated.
"Any assembly or demonstrations must remain peaceful and unarmed. Carrying weapons of any kind shall be treated as a direct violation of the constitution and the Penal Code Cap 63, Section 78 and 82," NPS said.
Additionally, the NPS cautioned that attempts to enter protected government installations will not be tolerated.
"Entering or attempting to access protected government installations or restricted areas is a violation of the Protected Area Act, Cap 204 Laws of Kenya and shall attract immediate legal action," said NPS.
"Looting, vandalism of any form and destruction of property, blocking roads, or even incitement to violence under the guise of protests shall not be tolerated. Such acts are criminal and shall be met with firm, lawful action by security agencies."
The development comes amid recent controversial warnings from Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen following the June 25 demonstrations, during which he instructed police to "shoot to kill" protestors, drawing widespread condemnation from civil society groups and opposition MPs.
Murkomen made the remarks when addressing police officers following the June 25 demonstrations.
He stated, "Mtu yeyote atakaribia police station piga yeye risasi... Mtu mwenye anaenda kuiba bunduki, abembelezwe? Bunduki sio mandazi!" which translates to, "Anyone who approaches a police station should be shot... Should someone who is going to steal a gun be pampered? A gun is not a doughnut."
According to Amnesty International, approximately sixteen people were killed during the anti-government demos on June 25, most of them by police.
The demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year's deadly protests over the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which saw more than 60 people killed and protesters storming Parliament.
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