Sunday, March 19, 2023 –Police in Nairobi have declared Azimio la Umoja’s Monday March 20 demonstrations, illegal.
In the media briefing on Sunday March 19 noon, Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei warned that the protests will be treated illegal by law enforcers across the country. He added that the planners failed to notify the police in time.
He clarified that, for the police to prepare well, they have to be served a three days’ notice; and therefore, something else cannot be admissible.
“We are in receipt of two requests that came late yesterday and today in the m morning. One was from Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya and another from the Nairobi business community.
“The two groups intended to have peaceful demos. But for public safety none has been granted,” Mr. Bungei made the updated.
He, therefore, said the two groups will not be allowed on the streets and this is for the safety of the rest of wananchi who need peace.
“Therefore, any person that will participate in the planned demonstration is notified to do so peacefully as guided by the constitution of Kenya,” Bungei added.
Bungei added that any protest in the city or any other part of the country will not be tolerated by the police and, if found, arrests will be the solution.
“However, we caution that any person who will breach the peace and break the law during the procession shall be dealt with decisively, accordingly to the law,” the police announced further.
But according to the Azimio’s side, the notice signed by Chairman of the Azimio Executive Council, Wycliffe Oparanya, was delivered on Friday, March 17, and not on Saturday, March 18, as claimed by Bungei.