Bungei Issues Warning To Raila Ahead of Kamukunji Rally
The Regional Commander warned that any attempt to match into Nairobi's Central Business District would pose a security risk to the protesters and businesses in the area.
Marvin Chege 
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei, on Friday, July 7 warned Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga against marching to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) during their Saba Saba rally.
Speaking to the media, the police boss affirmed that Azimio is only allowed to hold their rally at Kamukunji Grounds in line with the Public Order Act.
The Act bars protesters from demonstrating in the city centre without a permit, thus he vowed to use necessary measures to ensure that businesses in the CBD are protected.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei. /CAPITAL GROUP
In line with his directive, he thus instructed police officers to stop any protesters heading to the CBD as well as arrest those who defy his orders.
"We have authorised the Azimio la Umoja Coalition to conduct their rally only at Kamukunji Grounds under strict adherence with the provisions of the law," read part of Bungei's directive.
The Regional Commander warned that any attempt to match into Nairobi's Central Business District would pose a security risk to the protesters and businesses in the area.
Bungei recounted that the opposition rallies attract large crowds with rogue elements hiding within the crowds to seize an opportunity to rob innocent Kenyans of their wares and degenerate into wanton destruction of property.
Since Bungei's warning, a number of police officers in civilian clothes have arrested a number of people in the Nairobi CBD following the ongoing Sabasaba demonstrations against the government.
"Cops decided to show their unique approach to addressing our plea for affordable living costs—by disrupting a peaceful protest with the ultimate combo of arrests & tear gas. Our determination is unshakeable and rivals even the most stubborn police tactics," Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) criticised the police officers.
In their eleventh-hour directive, Azimio revealed on Thursday, July 6 that they will be marching to the Nairobi Central Business District after holding their rally at Kamukunji grounds.
“You all know that Saba Saba is a historic day. So tomorrow we begin shaping a new history from this venue led by our leader Raila Odinga. We welcome all Kenyans from all walks of life to begin arriving here as early as 4.30 am. We shall be very peaceful and hold a very peaceful meeting,” Nairobi county ODM chairman George Aladwa stated.
The coalition leaders noted that they are expecting a peaceful rally, but they also expressed concerns about the possibility of violence as a result of the aggressive nature of law enforcement agencies.
Backing him up was Mathare Member of Parliament Anthony Oluoch who explained that the rallies have been set up in different parts of Nairobi in clusters with the same pattern expected in other parts of the country according to Raila's directive.
Jubilee Party on Thursday, July 6, informed the Officer Commanding Nyahururu Police Station of their intention to hold a procession in the town against President William Ruto's government.
"This is to notify you that the Jubilee Party, Laikipia Branch will be holding a peaceful procession in Nyahururu Town on Friday, the 7th of July 2023.
"For the avoidance of doubt, this is not an application for permission as none is required under Article 37. This is a notification to enable the police to provide adequate security to the demonstrators. Your cooperation will be highly appreciated," read part of a letter that was written by Thomas King'ori, Chairman of Jubilee Party, Laikipia Branch.
Raila Odinga addressing supporters at Kamukunji grounds on June 27, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA
![Bomas Of Kenya Reshuffled Ahead Of President-Elect Announcement [WATCH LIVE]](https://viraltea.co.ke/uploads/images/2022/08/image_380x226_62fa02435efda.jpg){kind=small}
