Adamson Bungei: Azimio's Monday protests illegal

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei addresses a press conference alongside security officals in Nairobi on Sunday, March 19, 2023.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei says Azimio's Monday protests are illegal.

Speaking in Nairobi on Sunday, March 19, 2023, Bungei said the protests will not be allowed as they do not meet the required threshold.

"The Constitution under Article 37 provides that every person has the right peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition to the public authorities. However, the Public Orders Act, 2012 Section 5 (2) provides that any person intending to convene any meeting or a public procession shall notify the regulating officer of such intent at least three days but not more than fourteen days before the proposed date of the public meeting or procession," said Bungei.

Azimio la Umoja leaders led by Raila Odinga have threatened to stage mass demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday, March 19 2023 in protest over high cost of living among other things.

Bungei said no roads will be closed as a results of the protests adding police will deal with cases of lawlessness firmly.

"Therefore, any person that will participate in the planned demonstration is notified to do so peaceably as guided by the Constitution of Kenya and any other supporting legal, framework," he said.

"The law enforcement agency, we are hereby guided by the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, of the shared mandate of the National Police Service (Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations) which is to protect life and property; maintain law and order; and preserve peace."

He assured Kenyans appropriate security measures had been taken to ensure public safety and freedom of movement.

"We hereby caution that any person that will breach the peace or break the law during the procession shall be dealt with decisively according to the law," he added.