Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has raised concerns over the weekly youth protests, describing them as ‘havens’ for goons.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Kanja stated that these individuals are primarily motivated to steal and destroy properties belonging to innocent and hardworking Kenyans.
Kanja criticized the organizers for failing to adhere to the stipulations of the Public Order Act.
He emphasized that the chaos witnessed during these protests could have been avoided if the organizers had followed the legal provisions.
“This state of disorder would have been completely avoidable had protesters taken into consideration the simple legal provisions under the Public Order Act that requires organizers of protests or public procession to inform the police or regulating officers in time as led with the constitution,” the Acting IG said.
He explained that the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prohibits unauthorized entry into areas declared as protected.
“The Service reiterates that protected areas are out of bounds to unauthorized persons as indicated in the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 laws of Kenya. Further, all unauthorized persons are hereby warned not to trespass protected areas.”
Kanja further highlighted that Section 58 of the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 on trespass stipulates that any person who trespasses on government or licensed airfield land commits an offense punishable by law.
Kanja also called on the public to remain vigilant in crowded places and to provide information that can help the police detect and prevent crime resulting from the protests.
