Govt Directs Schools To Reopen Tomorrow

The government has announced that all day primary and secondary schools within Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties have been allowed to reopen on Thursday, July 20.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior led by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki revealed that the decision to have learning resumed in the counties followed a review of the security situation during the ongoing Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests.

"Upon review of the security situation, the Ministry of Education has been advised that learning may resume in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties as security agencies continue to protect the lives and properties of all Kenyans across the Country," the statement read in part.

Kindiki's statement was corroborated by that of the Ministry of Education under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu.

The decision to re-open schools was based on an accurate assessment of the situation and the ability of the police to guard students and the general public against possible threats as a result of the ongoing protests. 

"As indicated, the measure was meant to ensure the safety of school children, based on the credible intelligence that criminal elements were intent on engaging with security agencies around certain schools. The relevant security agencies have established that the security situation in the three Counties, and in other parts of the country, has been restored to normal.

"On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July 2023. The government has taken adequate measures to guarantee the safety and security of learners and their schools across the country," read the joint statement.

The two Cabinet Secretaries further assured children that no one would be allowed to interfere with the studies, warning Azimio la Umoja protesters not to try approaching close to the schools otherwise they would face the full force of the Law.

Arrests During Anti-Govt Protests

Kindiki further noted that except for isolated cases of hooliganism and breach of peace in a few spots in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Migori, Homabay, Siaya and Nakuru Counties, and Wote and Emali Towns, the rest of the country remained calm and members of the public conducted their activities in the usual manner.

"More than 300 people have been arrested across the Country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, and assaulting law enforcement officers among other crimes," added the CS.

Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, earlier urged protesters to cease demonstrations for the day at 5 pm to rest and recuperate for the second day, despite he himself not showing up for the first day.