The government has declared Thursday a normal working and school day, but acknowledged that a public demonstration will take place in Nairobi in commemoration of the anniversary of the June 25th protests.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged that the police are in receipt of a notification from some citizens who would like to engage in a public demonstration.
As such, and in respect to the constitutional rights of all Kenyans to peaceably assemble for whatever reason, on any day as guaranteed by
Article 37 of the Constitution, Murkomen assured that the police are, therefore, ready to provide security and guide the protesters on Thursday according to their request.
"We call upon all organisers and participants to conduct their demonstrations within the bounds of the law, ensuring they remain peaceful and unarmed," he said, adding that, though the protesters have not indicated their protest hour, they provided the police with a route to follow.
Earlier, Nairobi County Commander Issa Mohamud had said no protests would be allowed in the city, claiming a notification had not been made to the police of the same.
Murkomen, however, clarified that the Regional Commander was speaking in reference to a notification that was presented to the office of the IG last week by politicians.
He said, it has since been confirmed that families of victims presented a notification to the relevant police station as required by law.
Murkomen claimed that some political actors have planned to use the protests for their political campaigns and are hell-bent on mobilising goons, gangs and criminals with all manner of crude weapons to cause mayhem by attacking businesses and innocent civilians.
He linked the activities to politicians whom he did not name but quoted as having urged protesters to stay at home.
"Our position is as follows: The Government will deal decisively, and in accordance with the law, with any individuals or groups seeking to exploit legitimate protests to cause chaos, engage in looting, destroy property, disrupt businesses, or commit any other criminal acts. The Director of Criminal Investigations is already investigating reported cases of individuals who are mobilising and sponsoring Kenyans to take part in violent activities, and will be on high alert tomorrow. Those responsible will face the full force of the law," the CS said.
He added that the police will do everything under the law to protect peaceful protesters and members of the public going about their businesses.
"Thursday will be a normal business and school day. Our children are free to go to school, and people are free to go about their businesses. The Constitution guarantees the right to education and lawful means of earning a living. We expect that members of the public, including protesters, will not wait for the police to make their security and safety choices. Even if you are a peaceful protester and find yourself in the middle of goons and criminals, you should make the right decision by disassociating yourself from this company. This will make it easier for the police to enforce the law," he added.
He additionally distanced the state from claims that it is using gangs to cause violence and target political opponents in the country.
"We have also noted, with concern, unfortunate utterances by some leaders, including from the religious society, inciting members of the public by insinuating that the Government, in any way, supports goons and criminals. For the avoidance of doubt, the Government of Kenya does not condone or work with goons. The police are under instructions, through the policy guidance of the Cabinet Secretary, to decisively deal with all goons without fear or favour," he said as he also urged members of the public to co-operate with law enforcement officers," he said.
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