Saba Saba Day: Police Warn Kenyans Ahead of Planned Protests
As Kenyans prepare for the highly anticipated Saba Saba Day protests, which have already caused major disruptions in several parts of the country, the National Police Service (NPS) has issued a strong warning to those planning to participate.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday night, the police cautioned that anyone found carrying weapons during the protests would be treated as a threat and dealt with according to the law. The warning emphasized that the security agencies would not tolerate any armed individuals participating in the demonstrations.
The statement further warned protesters against attempting to access protected government areas, including sensitive sites such as the Parliament Buildings and State House. According to the police, any such attempts would be met with immediate and firm legal action, as these are violations under the Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 of Kenyan law.
This announcement comes after recent incidents in Nairobi and other towns, where protests turned violent and some groups of individuals looted businesses and vandalized property. The police made it clear that such criminal activities would not be tolerated and that those found engaging in looting or destruction would face serious consequences.
Moreover, the public was urged to avoid provoking police officers during the protests. The NPS reminded citizens that law enforcement personnel are expected to act within their legal responsibilities, and provoking them could escalate tensions unnecessarily.
At the same time, the police were called upon to act with professionalism and restraint, particularly in light of recent criticism and accusations of police brutality during previous protests. The police spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, signed the statement and reassured the public that the safety of lives and property remained a top priority for the police service during this tense period.
“Any attempt to enter or access protected government installations or restricted areas is against the law and will lead to immediate legal consequences,” part of the statement read.
“Criminal activities such as looting, vandalism, destruction of property, road barricades, or inciting violence in the name of protests are illegal and will be met with firm and lawful action by the police,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, major traffic snarl-ups were reported across Nairobi on Monday morning, as the police mounted roadblocks on several major roads in anticipation of the protests.
These roadblocks severely disrupted transport, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and frustrated as they tried to make their way to work or school.
The heavy police presence on the roads led to long delays in and around the Central Business District and nearby areas. This was despite a court order that had earlier prohibited the erection of roadblocks before or during the demonstrations.
Some of the roads worst affected included Thika Road, particularly near Roysambu, Kasarani, and Gurdwara Nanak areas; Mombasa Road near General Motors and Bunyala Roundabout; and the Eastern Bypass around the 75 Roundabout. Several other roads also experienced significant slowdowns as a result of the lockdown measures.
As tensions remain high ahead of the Saba Saba Day demonstrations, the government, police, and the public are being urged to prioritize peace and calm, even as citizens exercise their constitutional right to protest.
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