police have warned protesters about accessing protected areas ahead of Tuesday's planned anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi,
Demonstrators have been rallying against President William Ruto’s administration since he dropped the contentious Finance Bill 2024 late last month. Some protesters call for an overhaul of the government, while others demand his resignation.
This week, protesters have been organizing online for a Tuesday march to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), dubbed ‘OccupyJKIA’.
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This follows previous demonstrations at Parliament buildings, known as ‘OccupyParliament’, and a city center march named ‘OccupyCBD’.
On Monday, acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja emphasized that while protesting is a right, protesters must adhere to the legal boundaries regarding protected areas. He highlighted that Kenya's Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws prohibits unauthorized entry into protected zones.
These areas, defined in the Protected Areas Order under Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include the LPG Plant, Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA).
Kanja also cited the Kenya Civil Aviation Act, noting that trespassing on government aerodrome land constitutes a punishable offense.
He urged all demonstrators to respect these legal provisions and avoid entering or interfering with protected areas.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” Kanja said.
