The National Police Service has affirmed its commitment to respect the sanctity of human life as it moves to quell the nationwide protests but banned any demonstrations within the Nairobi CBD and its surroundings on Thursday.
In a statement Wednesday evening, Acting Police IG Douglas Kanja expressed regret that what started as peaceful demonstrations has led to the loss of lives and destruction of property after the protests were infiltrated by criminals.
"While the constitution under Article 37, provides for the right to assemble and picket to present petitions to public authorities, the constitution equally provides for the critical role the NPS plays in the national security of our country," Kanja's statement reads in part.
Kanja went further to state that the National Police Service has received credible intelligence that some organised criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the protests planned for Thursday, July 18, 2024, to execute attacks and even loot.
"The lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to ensure safety protocols. As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairob Central Bussiness District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," the statement reads in part.
Kanja also called on the members of the public to cooperate with the police to ensure order is maintained within the Nairobi CBD on Thursday.
"We therefore appeal to members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to support our collective safety and security by sharing any information that may aid the police in crime detection and prevention," he said.
The statement comes after Tuesday protests in some parts of the country took a chaotic turn with isolated cases of injuries resulting from clashes between security forces and protesters.
Some three people, among them a journalist, were allegedly shot during the anti-government protests in Nakuru.
A group of protesters also unsuccessfully attempted to storm the Machakos police station in a bid to free their colleague who had allegedly been arrested.
Elsewhere in Kericho Town, a group of youths allegedly hired to block the demos from happening vanished after protesters repelled them.
Two people were also shot dead and five motorcycles were torched during the anti-government demonstrations in Mlolongo, Machakos County on Tuesday.
The duo, both men, reportedly succumbed to bullet injuries allegedly inflicted by police officers who had been deployed to quell the demonstrations in Mlolongo town during the demonstrations.
Another two people were also reported shot dead while scores sustained bullet injuries during anti-government demonstrations in Kibwezi, Makueni County on Tuesday.