The National Police Service (NPS) has warned members of the public against taking part in any protests on Thursday November 21, 2024 as President William Ruto is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.

In a statement issued on Wednesday November 20, NPS Spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango said the police had not been formally notified by the organizers as required by the Public Order Act. 

Meanwhile, anti-riot police officers were deployed on Thursday morning to various places in the city in anticipation of the protests.

This was after reports circulated on social media about possible demonstrations in Nairobi, linked to growing political discontent in the country.

“Attention of the National Police Service (NPS) is drawn to information circulating about planned demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024 through social media. NPS further acknowledges the Constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceably and while unarmed, assemble, picket, demonstrate or present petitions to public Offices,” reads the statement in part.

“In exercise of these rights, the law places a responsibility on organizers to notify the Regulating Officer (Officer Commanding Station) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance, specifying the details of the planned meeting. This requirement is intended to ensure that proper safety and security measures are put in place by Police during public demonstrations.

“To date, no such requisite notification by any organizer/planner has been issued to the Regulating Officer,” the NPS noted.

Thus, the police service has urged the public to go on with their daily activities without fear.

President Ruto is set to address a joint session of Parliament on November 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. and he will outline his government’s achievements. 

However, activist groups were rallying their supporters on social media to protest outside Parliament and other parts of Nairobi over alleged bad governance.