The government has warned protesters ahead of today's scheduled protests by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki warned Kenyans against engaging in violent protests, saying the police would prevent them at "all costs."
Prof. Kindiki, noting the violent scenes observed on two consecutive Mondays during the demonstrations, which included looting, damage to public amenities, and disruption of daily activities, warned that the events could lead to anarchy in the country.
"No more violent protests shall be allowed anywhere in Kenya. With or without notices, demonstrations and protests of any type which injure people, security officers, businesses and property shall be prevented at all costs," said Prof. Kindiki.
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"The unfolding situation portends grave danger to the rule of law and the stability of our country. The violence, looting, destruction of public amenities, disruption of daily activities and invasion of private property portend real and imminent danger of our country sliding into irretrievable anarchy. These criminal acts must cease." he added.
The CS, who had been silent for several days, called for violence against police officers, claiming that protesters were provoking security officers to use force.
"Pursuant to Section 5(2), (6) and (10) of the Public Order Act (Cap. 56, Laws of Kenya), the police were compelled by their constitutional and legal mandate to prevent the holding of the protests whereupon orders of dispersal of the protestors were issued for the safety of both the protestors and the affected non-protesters and third parties," Kindiki said.
He also warned looters in Kisumu, Kibra, former President Uhuru Kenyatta's farm in Ruiru, and Raila Odinga's East African Spectre Limited, stating they would be prosecuted.
According to CS Kindiki, police officers were reluctant to respond to the Kenyatta farm incident because they were preoccupied with other protests.
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