Police ban protests within Nairobi CBD
Nairobi
By
Mate Tongola
| Jul 18, 2024
Police have banned protests within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) for an unspecified period.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announcing the ban, cited intelligence reports indicating that criminal elements plan to infiltrate the demonstrations and cause destruction.
“No demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi CBD and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety. We have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks, including looting,” Kanja said.
Hundreds of anti-riot police have been dispatched to guard and patrol Uhuru Park, where a group of young protestors indicated they would meet today under the hashtag #OccupyUhuruPark.
Kanja noted that enforcing safety protocols has been challenging because the demonstrators lack a designated leader to coordinate with police for peaceful protests.
READ MORE
Treasury goes for UAE loan as IMF cautions of debt situation
Traders claim closure of liquor stores, bars near schools punitive
Adani fallout is a lesson on accountability and transparency fight
How talent development is shaping Kenya's tech future
Street-style snappers reclaim the heart of Nairobi
Huawei, charity partners to empower women with digital skills in Kenya
African ministers champion ICT adoption for sustainable growth
Digital lender Tala surpasses Sh300bn mobile loans as Kenyans borrow more
KCB beats Equity in profits race as earnings after tax hit Sh44.5b
Government back to drawing board after KRA misses tax targets
"We appeal to the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and support our collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid the police in crime detection and prevention," he added.
On Tuesday during nationwide anti-government protests, police also warned about goons planning to infiltrate, disrupt, and destabilise the demos.
Authorities, acting on intelligence reports said “a criminal group” could jeopardise the safety of demonstrators.
The countrywide protests have been ongoing for nearly a month now, forcing President William Ruto to climb down and make several changes within the government, including firing his entire cabinet.