The National Police Service has called on Kenyans to exercise peace and restraint during the planned Monday Saba Saba Day.
They have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Kenyans and to maintain peace, law, and order.
According to police, while Kenyans have a right to peaceably assemble, demonstrate, and hand in any petitions, however, they must exercise it within the confines of the law at all times.
Police said protesters must remain peaceful and unarmed and carrying weapons of any kind shall be treated as a direct violation of the constitution and the Penal Code Cap. 63, Section 78 and 82).
They have warned against entering or attempting to access protected government installations or restricted areas, saying it is a violation of The Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 Laws of Kenya and shall attract immediate legal action.
“Looting, vandalism of any form and destruction of property, blocking roads, or even incitement to violence under the guise of protests shall not be tolerated. Such acts are criminal and shall be met with firm, lawful action by security agencies,” the statement read.
They have further cautioned against provoking police officers who by law are out on duty to maintain peace and order.
Police said interference with law enforcement in any confrontational conduct undermines the rule of law and is a serious criminal offence, adding that such acts are unacceptable and shall be handled with the deserved seriousness.
“NPS continues to uphold professionalism and restraint in discharging its duties. However, any form of riotous, unlawful or violent behaviour shall be met with the appropriate lawful force to preserve order and protect lives and property,” they said.
They called on Kenyans to remain peaceful and law-abiding and to continue carrying out their obligations responsibly.
A section of leaders have also condemned police for using force against peaceful protesters as they watch goons harass peaceful protesters.
Kenyans have been hitting the streets to demand justice for the victims of last year's anti-government protests and accountability from the leaders.
This is even as a group of Nairobi legislators appealed to the youth not to allow to be manipulated by political figures seeking to hijack the Saba Saba protests set for today, July 6.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, the lawmakers warned that recent demonstrations—originally rooted in legitimate concerns about governance—have been infiltrated by opportunistic politicians and criminal elements, turning peaceful protests into violent confrontations.
“What should have been peaceful expressions of concern have been turned into violent confrontations. Shops have been looted, businesses destroyed, lives lost, and the dangerous rhetoric of tribalism has crept into our streets,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
