The government has banned demonstrations in the CBDs of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, citing security threats.
Acting Interior CS Fred Matiangi
said
the National Security Advisory Committee made the decision
on Thursday morning.
He noted there have been more cases of
looting and grave damage to public property.
"Due to the
clear
danger posed to the government, it has resolved to
ban all
demonstrations across the Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu CBDs
," he told journalists on Thursday.
"I will further issue a gazette notice with regulations that govern the conduct of demonstrations."
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Matiang'i also said organisers of demonstrations will be held personally liable for any damage caused.
The CS cited damage to vehicles and public property and
attacks on innocent civilians and police in
Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya and Nairobi.
Matiang'i
noted the government will not sit back and tolerate activities aimed at crippling the economy.
"As much as the constitution allows people to picket and demonstrate, the government's key priority is to protect its citizens and their property and this, for sure, we shall do without fear or favour," he said.
Matiang'i also
said that due to the extent of damage, action will be taken against "organiser" Norman Magaya of NASA.
"We have requested all citizens whose property was either vandalised, looted or damaged to record statements
with the OCS at Central police station. Once we assess the damage, we shall prefer charges against Magaya."
The ban comes just a day after the Opposition coalition declared it will hold daily protests across the country to push for reforms at the IEBC.
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