Police warn against unauthorised protests ahead of Ruto’s State of the Nation address
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The police caution comes at a time of heightened political tensions, with opposition groups and citizens voicing discontent over various issues.
The National Police Service (NPS) has warned the public about potential protests planned for Thursday, November 21, 2024, coinciding with President William Ruto's State of the Nation address to Parliament.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, NPS Spokesperson Resila Onyango cautioned that the police had not received the required formal notification from protest organisers as stipulated under the Public Order Act.
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The alert comes amidst reports circulating on social media suggesting that protests may be organised in response to growing political dissatisfaction in the country.
"Attention of the National Police Service (NPS) is drawn to information circulating about planned demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024, through social media," the statement read.
Despite acknowledging the constitutional right of Kenyans to peacefully demonstrate, the police stressed that this right is conditional as the police have to be notified in advance.
"NPS further acknowledges the constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceably and while unarmed, assemble, picket, demonstrate or present petitions to public offices," the statement read further.
However, it emphasised that organisers are legally obligated to inform the authorities in advance.
The Public Order Act requires protest organisers to notify the officer commanding station (OCS) in writing, providing details of the planned demonstration at least three days but no more than 14 days before the event.
"In exercise of these rights, the law places a responsibility on organizers to notify the Regulating Officer (Officer Commanding Station) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance, specifying the details of the planned meeting,” NPS explained.
As of the time of the statement, no such notification had been received by the authorities, prompting the police to urge the public to go about their daily activities without fear of disruption.
"To date, no such requisite notification by any organiser/planner has been issued to the Regulating Officer," the statement read.
The police caution comes at a time of heightened political tensions, with opposition groups and citizens voicing discontent over various issues.
NPS further reminded the public that while the right to protest is guaranteed under the Constitution, it must be exercised in compliance with established legal processes to ensure public order and safety.
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