Police are under orders to prevent Azimio protests at “all costs”, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has warned.
“No more violent protests shall be allowed anywhere in Kenya. With or without notices, demonstrations and protests of any type which injure people, security officers, businesses and property shall be prevented at all costs,” said Kindiki in a statement released on Wednesday night.
“The unfolding situation portends grave danger to the rule of law and the stability of our country. The violence, looting, destruction of public amenities, disruption of daily activities and invasion of private property portend real and imminent danger of our country sliding into irretrievable anarchy. These criminal acts must cease.”
The CS reassured the public that no protests will be allowed onwards stating that he will issue relevant directives to the police in regard to dealing with demonstrations.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 245 (4) and (5) of the Constitution, I shall be issuing policy directives to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, which directives shall take effect on 31st March 2023,” he said.
They have been meeting and we know their every plan. They will also meet today (Wednesday) to plan but we have people who are keeping us updated on their moves.”
Azimio leader Raila Odinga
Azimio is set to hold a third round of demos Thursday in order to pressure the government to lower the cost of living among other demands.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga yesterday claimed that some Kenya Kwanza leaders were plotting to make Thursday’s mass action chaotic.
Raila claimed that a senior government official was behind secret meetings meant to paint Azimio protests in bad light.
“They have been meeting and we know their every plan. They will also meet today (Wednesday) to plan but we have people who are keeping us updated on their moves,” he said.
He maintained that Thursday’s mass action is still on and called on Azimio supporters to show up in large numbers for the protests.
