The Acting Inspector of General of Police Douglas Kanja has banned protests within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and its surroundings until further notice.

In a statement, IG Kanja said that the National Police Service (NPS) had taken the drastic decision after getting credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing anti-government protests to execute criminal activities.

“We therefore appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas, and to support our collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid the Police in crime detection and prevention,” Kanja said. “As a Service, we wish to reiterate our commitment to partner with members of public and media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us. May God bless you Fellow Kenyans, and May God bless our Country.”

The police boss rued that since the protests advocating for a changes in government and organised by Kenyan youths (Gen Z) began in June this year, the country had experienced enormous losses, people have been injured, lives lost, property and businesses destroyed, and livelihoods lost.

While the Constitution under Article 37 provides for the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to picket, to demonstrate and to present petitions to public authorities, Kanja says that the same constitution provides for the critical role that the NPS plays in the national security of the country.

“Acting on this information and in accordance with international security standards for public assemblies, which require a designated leader to coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with police for peaceful demonstrations, the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols,” Kanja adds.