"Planned Azimio demos on Monday are illegal" - Nairobi police boss says

The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition mass action on Monday, March 20 is illegal, the National Police Service (NPS) has declared.

Addressing the press on Sunday, March 19 morning, Nairobi Police Regional Commander Adamson Bungei said the demonstrations will not be allowed because Azimio failed to meet the Public Order Act requirement. The act requires one who plans to picket inform the police three days prior. 

"We received two requests from Azimio and Nairobi business community to hold protests tomorrow. One late in the evening and the other this morning. Both did not meet the legal threshold and were thus declined and the same was communicated to them in writing," said Bungei.

The police boss warned of dire consequences for those who will engage in the protests, as they will conducting an illegality.

"Any person who will breach the peace or break the law during the procession shall be dealt with according to the law. The public order act of 2012 is very clear, if a protest is not within the framework of that order then it is illegal."

State House out of bounds

Bungei assured Kenyans that police have taken appropriate measures to protect Kenyans and their property, urging businesspeople not to close their shops. He also warned against the planned match to State House.

"I want to underline some areas such as State House where we have heard people planning to invade or visit is covered by the laws of Kenya that it is a restricted area for un-authorised persons," he said.