There are concerns and fears after police bodyguards seconded to Azimio La Umoja coalition leaders planning to attend Tuesday protests were Monday recalled in a surprise move.
This is perhaps meant to intimidate and stop the leaders from participating in the protests called to among others protest against the high cost of living.
Other sources say police plan to make arrests on key leaders even though they will not take them to court.
This is meant to scare them.
The bodyguards’ commander sent a random message to all police officers attached to VIPs from the coalition ordering them to report to the Security of Government Building offices and return their weapons.
“To all officers who VIPs will participate in tomorrow’s demonstration (Maandamano), you are advised not to accompany them (VIPs) on the same, instead you are supposed to report to U/Camp, return your firearms at the SGB armory and be on standby at the Unit Headquarters as you await for onward communication,” read part of the message sent to the officers.
The VIPs who include Members of Parliament are usually guarded by police officers.
There are plans to for example approach the Tuesday protests differently.
This may end up having several arrests, officials said even though they know the move is illegal given the constitution guarantees the freedom to stage protests.
There are also fears rival groups mobilized by political leaders may cause mayhem.
Police said they are aware of the move and announced they had not sought help from any quarter.
Anti-riot police deployed to disperse any group planning a protest have been ordered to employ new tactics before they charge at the protesters.
Police believe the protests will be held majorly in Nairobi.
The anti-riot teams on the ground have been supplied with loudspeakers that they will use in declaring a proclamation before charging at the protesters.
They will announce the meeting or protest is unlawful and read the sections of the law they are citing before taking any action.
Dozens of anti-riot police officers have been mobilized from police colleges and other formations for the mission.
Major roads and especially those leading to State House were barricaded by police from Monday night ahead of the protests.
This is after the Azimio group declared their plans to stage anti-government protests are ongoing despite police declaration the move had been banned and is illegal.
The top security committee, the National Security Advisory Committee met
Monday to discuss the planned Azimio protests amid fears of more chaos.
