Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho cautioned protesters on Tuesday against attempting to enter designated protected areas during ongoing anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking at a press briefing, IG Kanja cited intelligence reports indicating that the protests have been infiltrated by criminal elements, describing them as disruptive and attracting looters and vandals targeting property.
“The current protests have unfortunately been hijacked by criminals, posing a threat to public safety and the livelihoods of hardworking Kenyans,” Kanja remarked.
He emphasized the legal restrictions outlined in the Protected Areas Act, underscoring that facilities such as LPG and Bitumen plants, as well as petroleum depots at the Embakasi Aviation Depot including JKIA, are strictly off-limits without authorization.
Kanja highlighted the provisions of the Kenya Civil Aviation Act, stressing that unauthorized entry into government aerodromes is illegal.
“Haitakubalika kuingia kwa kiwanja ya ndege kama huna ruhusa, hiyo haitakubalika,” the police chief asserted.
He reaffirmed the police’s duty to uphold peace and order in Kenya, emphasizing the nation’s singular identity and the responsibility to safeguard its stability.
The warnings come amid ongoing protests sparked by President William Ruto’s withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, with demonstrators calling for governmental reform and some demanding his resignation.
Protest organizers had mobilized online for a march to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) dubbed ‘OccupyJKIA,’ following previous demonstrations in Nairobi’s central business district under ‘OccupyParliament’ and ‘OccupyCBD’ banners.
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