The National Police Service (NPS) has warned anti-government protesters against accessing protected areas ahead of planned demonstrations on Tuesday, July 23.
Despite President William Ruto heeding to some demands by youthful protesters, including the dropping of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 and firing his Cabinet, protests have persisted agitating for additional demands.
In the latest development, protesters have been mobilised to make a grand march to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), in what has been dubbed ‘#OccupyJKIA’. In a previous march, the protesters marched to Parliament buildings and several CBDs across the country.
In a statement, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja advised protesters to be aware of The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya, which prevent the entry of unauthorized persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas.
“Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” Kanja said.
Kanja was also quick to remind the protesters that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a Government aerodrome or an aerodrome licensed under regulations made under this Act commits an offence punishable by law.
“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,” he added.
