Police Ban Protests In Nairobi CBD & Environs 'Because They Are Leaderless'
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja lamented that since the commencement of the demonstrations by the Gen Z in June this year, the country has experienced enormous losses
Marvin Chege 
The National Police Service has announced that it has banned protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and its environs. This is in response to the planned demonstrations by Kenyan youth on Thursday, July 18.
In a press statement, Acting Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja lamented that since the commencement of the demonstrations by the Gen Z in June this year, the country has experienced enormous losses, that is, people have been injured, lives lost, property and businesses destroyed, and livelihoods lost.
The police boss also revealed that criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct.
Douglas Kanja, named acting Inspector General of Police. /FILE
Kanja was however quick to note that while the Constitution of Kenya under Article 37 provides for the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to picket, to demonstrate and to present petitions to public authorities, the Constitution equally provides for the critical role that the National Police Service plays in the national security of the country.
"In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting.
"Acting on this information and in accordance with international security standards for public assemblies, which require a designated leader to coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with police for peaceful demonstrations, the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols. As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," Kanja stated in part.
He appealed to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support the police's collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid them in crime detection and prevention.
"As a Service, we wish to reiterate our commitment to partner with members of the public and media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us," he added.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Tuesday, July 16 recorded 50 deaths spanning four weeks of demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024, which began on Tuesday, June 18.
Furthermore, 413 people have so far been injured, though there are fears that the aforementioned numbers could rise in the coming days.
Some of the victims succumbed to injuries while they were undergoing treatment while other bodies were discovered under the debris of the burnt Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.
The dead are from Nairobi (21), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).
At the same time, KNCHR noted that 59 people have been abducted by authorities with 682 others being arrested.
“We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests. The Commission has moved the court for orders of Habeas Corpus in a quest to seek accountability for missing and abducted persons,” the Commission revealed in a statement.
