Police Warn Protesters Against Entering Ahead of Tuesday Demonstrations

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Police have warned protesters against accessing protected areas during the planned anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi, particularly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

• Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja emphasized that while protesting is a right, legal boundaries prohibit unauthorized entry into protected areas, and violators will face legal consequences.

Police have issued a stern warning to protesters, cautioning them against accessing protected areas ahead of Tuesday's planned anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi.

Protesters have been rallying against President William Ruto’s administration since he introduced the contentious Finance Bill, 2024, late last month. 

The demonstrations, which have persisted despite the bill's introduction, demand sweeping changes to the government, with some calling for Ruto’s resignation.

In the lead-up to this week’s protests, organizers have been mobilizing online for a march to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday. 

This event, dubbed ‘OccupyJKIA,’ follows previous demonstrations such as ‘OccupyParliament’ at the Parliament buildings and the ‘OccupyCBD’ march in Nairobi city center.

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Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja emphasized on Monday that while the right to protest is fundamental for every Kenyan, there are legal boundaries governing access to protected areas. 

“The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into areas declared as protected. As outlined under Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, these include the LPG Plant, Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” Kanja stated.

He also highlighted that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act stipulates that trespassing on any land forming part of a government aerodrome is an offense punishable by law. 

“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” Kanja added.