- Herders Discover Missing Data Analytics Expert Scott Campbell Body in a Bush - February 24, 2025
- Khalwale to Withdraw his Controversial Bodaboda Bill. See What he Said - February 24, 2025
- US Amory Left Behind in Joe Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal. - February 24, 2025
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 –Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has banned the scheduled Azimio coalition protests of Wednesday July 12.
In his Tuesday statement to the public, the IG said that opposition led by Raila Odinga had not presented any official notification to the police on the planned demos, hence the gatherings will be considered illegal.
In that regard, the police have promised to use every means possible in dispersing attempts to hold any gatherings around the country.
“…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 provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public, Police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations,” said IG Koome.
Koome went on to firmly announce that his police officers will be on standby to thwart any attempts by Raila’s camp to take to the streets tomorrow.
“In this regard, no such demonstrations/gatherings/protests will be allowed tomorrow since no such notification has been presented to any police station. All lawful means will be used to disperse such demonstrations,” added the IG.
The police boss was speaking this shortly after President William Ruto had warned of similar consequences to those planning to cause destruction through protests.
Speaking in Ruai on Tuesday, the commander-in-chief pointed out that six deaths were reported from Saba Saba protests last week; what he cannot not allow to reoccur.
“Walifanya maandamano Ijumaa, na waKenya wasita wakapoteza maisha yao. Mnataka maandamano ingine ifanyike, maisha mengine yapotezwe? It will not happen,” affirmed Ruto.
A fierce clash, therefore, looms on Wednesday from morning hours between the police and supporters of the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya opposition Coalition which is set to stage anti-government protests across the country.
Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and Prof George Wajackoyah will be on the front line to lead their troops on roads and streets.
