The National Police Service Wednesday cautioned members of the public against staging or taking part in any protests on Thursday when President William Ruto is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.
Spokesperson Dr Resila
Onyango said the police had not been formally notified by the supposed
organizers as required by the Public Order Act.
This means no protests will be allowed in the city on Thursday as earlier announced.
Police were early Thursday deployed to various places in the city in anticipation of the protests.
The officers also patrolled
on foot and cars dispersing any group of more than three.
The caution follows reports circulating on social media about possible demonstrations linked to growing political discontent.
"Attention of the National Police Service (NPS) is drawn to information circulating about planned demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024, through social media. NPS further acknowledges the Constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceably and while unarmed, assemble, picket, demonstrate or present petitions to public Offices," Resila said.
"In exercise of these right, the law places a responsibility on organizers to notify the Regulating Officer (Officer Commanding Station) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance, specifying the details of the planned meeting. This requirement is intended to ensure that proper safety and security measures are put in place by Police during public demonstrations."
“To date, no such requisite
notification by any organizer/planner has been issued to the Regulating
Officer,” the NPS noted, urging citizens to continue their daily activities
without fear of disruption," added the statement.
Dr Onyango urged the public to continue their daily activities "without fear."
Early morning, police removed dozens of billboards mounted across the city ahead of the planned protests.
The billboards were mounted at various junctions and roadsides.
Ruto will address a joint session of Parliament on November 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., and he will
outline his administration’s accomplishments.
Activist groups plan to rally near Parliament or the city against what they term bad governance.
Ruto is scheduled to address the state of the nation in parliament.
It is unclear how many people will participate.
Police said some roads will
be closed from 1 pm before the president's arrival at Parliament.
Past such protests have
disrupted businesses in the city.
Since June this year when
protesters breached Parliament Buildings in protests against proposed taxes, the
city has seen increased police deployments.
Thursday’s marks Ruto’s
third time addressing the bicameral Parliament since taking office.
His first address on
September 29, 2022, inaugurated the 13th Parliament, while his second, on
November 9, 2023, fulfilled the constitutional requirement for an annual State
of the Nation address.
The upcoming session comes
as his administration continues to face increased criticism over unmet
expectations notably issues on the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) – the
new health fund, which has sparked public concerns over healthcare
accessibility.
Despite mounting criticism,
the government has stood by its new healthcare model, urging Kenyans to
register.
A section of church leaders
have joined the voices of discontent, condemning the government’s inaction in
resolving the issues plaguing the system.
Beyond healthcare,
President Ruto’s administration continues to face criticism for its handling of
the economy and education.
Ruto who is accused by some of “buying” opposition silence will seek to reassure Kenyans that all is not lost as he approaches three years in office.
