A clash looms between police and supporters of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Opposition Coalition which is set to stage anti-government protests across the country on Wednesday.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said no group had presented any official notification to the police on the planned demos, hence the gatherings will be considered illegal.
He vowed to use “all lawful means” to disperse any gatherings that will take place on Wednesday.
“…in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that in the absence of notifications by planners of any demonstrations as a legal prerequisite to enable Police to provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public, Police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations,” said Koome.
“In this regard, no such demonstrations/gatherings/protests will be allowed tomorrow since no such notification has been presented to any police station.
All lawful means will be used to disperse such demonstrations.”
President William Ruto also fired a warning shot at the opposition, vowing not to allow any violent protests that pose a threat to the lives of Kenyans.
Speaking in Ruai on Tuesday, Ruto pointed out that six deaths were reported from Saba Saba protests last week, adding that he will not condone the death of any Kenyan over an individual’s political satisfaction.
The anti-government protests are expected to take place in key parts of the country with senior members of the Azimio coalition dispatched to lead the demonstrations at the grassroots level.
Several police teams have been mobilized and dispatched to various places to deal with the planned protests.
The situation was to be worse if long-distance drivers and conductors would have joined but the government suspended a controversial retesting plan to allow more talks.
Last Friday’s Saba Saba protests were staged in various parts of the country including Nairobi, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Mombasa, Kisii, Kakamega, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Meru, and Nyahururu.
Police shot and killed six people in the protests. The issue is being investigated.