Police Declare Raila’s Monday Protests in Nairobi Unlawful

The National Police Service (NPS) has declared the planned Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition protests in Nairobi on Monday unlawful.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei said the opposition coalition did not meet the threshold to receive approval to hold demonstrations.

Citing the provisions of the Public Order Act of 2012, Bungei noted that Azimio ought to have submitted their request at least three days prior.

"We received two requests from Azimio and Nairobi business community to hold protests tomorrow. One late in the evening and the other this morning. Both did not meet the legal threshold and were thus declined and the same was communicated to them in writing," said Bungei.

Nevertheless, the police commander further warned those intending to take part in the planned demonstration against causing havoc and unrest.

"Any person that will participate in the planned demonstration is notified to do so peacefully as guided in the constitution and any other supporting legal frameworks," he said. 

"We caution that any person that will break the law during the procession shall be dealt with decisively according to the law."

He also assured Kenyans that police have taken appropriate security measures to ensure public safety and freedom of movement during the demonstration.

"We are ready to secure their lives and property. Tomorrow is business as usual,” he noted.

The Azimio coalition, led by Raila Odinga, called for mass action to compel President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration to address their demands, chief among them lowering the cost of living.