The National Police Service (NPS) asserts that Monday's planned Azimio la Umoja demonstrations are unlawful.
At a press conference on Sunday, Nairobi's police commander, Adamson Bungei, stated that the coalition had not satisfied the prerequisites to be allowed to stage the protests because their submissions had already been received.
Commander Bungei cited clauses from Chapter 56 of the Public Order of 2012 to substantiate his claim that Azimio should have submitted their request at least three days earlier.
"Both Azimio and the Nairobi business community requested that we demonstrate tomorrow. The first occurred late last night, and the second this morning. Both received written notice that they had been rejected because they did not comply with the law "said Bungei.
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According to Section 5 of the legislation, a public meeting or procession must be announced to the regulating officer at least three days but fourteen days before the planned date.
The Nairobi police chief nevertheless issued a caution to anyone taking part in the rallies to avoid causing chaos and disturbance and emphasized that anyone disobeying the warning would face legal repercussions.
He warned that security forces would not be tolerant in taking action against those who rejected the warning, so he asked the marchers to maintain peace and tranquility as they moved through the city.
He stated that everybody participating in the scheduled demonstration should follow the constitution and other applicable legal frameworks.
We warn that anyone breaking the law while the march is in action will suffer severe repercussions.
He also allayed concerns about unrest during the protest by announcing that all necessary security measures had been implemented to safeguard local businesses and residents.
We have implemented the appropriate security measures to guarantee tomorrow's public safety and freedom of movement. He said we wanted to reassure everyone in Nairobi, including those of good intent.
"We are prepared to protect their lives and belongings. It's business as usual tomorrow."
