IG Koome Issues Ban On 3 Major Wednesday Protests, Including Azimio

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Tuesday, July 11 announced a ban on all protests on Wednesday, July 12, including those of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

Koome in a statement argued that while the Constitutional provision under Article 37 guarantees freedom of assembly, picketing, and petitioning, previous demonstrations especially by the opposition outfit have led to deaths and destruction of property.

Furthermore, the police boss revealed that police officers are under instructions to quell all demonstrations slated for July 12, terming them illegal.

IG Japhet Koome addresses the press on March 26, 2023. /FACEBOOK.NPS

"Our statistics this year has clearly shown that such demonstrations have not only left behind a trail of massive destruction of property worth millions of Shillings, but also led to the death of innocent members of the public, and law enforcement Officers.

"Consequently, and in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that in the absence of notifications by planners of any demonstrations as a legal prerequisite to enable police to provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public, Police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations," stated the IG in part.

Koome affirmed that no demonstrations/gatherings/protests will be allowed on Wednesday as no such notification has been presented to any police station. In addition, all lawful means will be used to disperse such demonstrations.

"However, we remain committed to the fidelity of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the rule of law and respect for human rights. We further commend NPS Officers for their continued sacrificial service to our Nation and assure them of our support as they discharge their duty to protect life and property without fear or favour," added the police boss.

IG Koome's statement came hours after President William Ruto assured Kenyans that there will be peace in the country tomorrow when the Azimio la Umoja coalition is expected to continue with anti-government protests.

“Tomorrow there will be peace in Kenya, I have heard that those people (Azimio) want to protest again, on Friday they protested and 6 Kenyans lost their lives, and you want to protest again so that people will lose their lives again? It will not happen,” Ruto stated while in Ruai, Nairobi County.

“Every Kenyan should prepare to go to work. Everybody should do their personal businesses so that the country can move forward."

Azimio la Umoja called for protests against the rising cost of living as well as the government's handling of the economy, claiming that Ruto had ignored the plight of Kenyans as well as assumed the grievances raised over the Finance Act 2023.

The protests were to be part of three major demonstrations taking place simultaneously on Wednesday, July 12, with others including matatu and boda boda operators as well as taxi drivers.