Nairobi Police Commander Bans Planned Protests About Fuel, Says They Are Illegal

• Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud declared the planned oil protests illegal, warning the organizers
• Police said the protest planned for April 21 violated the guidelines of the Public Order Act despite growing anger over the rise in fuel prices.
• He warned of a crackdown on illegal gatherings, warning against roadblocks, disruption of business and possible violence.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has announced protest organized against the increase in the price of oil being illegal.

He warned the organizers and participants that the police will take action against any demonstration that does not meet the legal requirements.

His remarks come at a time when public anger is growing following the increase in fuel prices recently announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which has increased various costs.

Why has Issa Mohamud declared the planned protest illegal?

During a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, April 17, Mohamud said the National Police Service has not received any official notification for the protest scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, despite the spread of awareness online.

He stressed that although the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees the right to assemble and protest, this right must be enforced within the framework of the law.

“Although we are aware of the call for protests next week, no official statement has been submitted. This makes the planned protests illegal, and appropriate measures will be taken,” Mohamud said.

Mohamud explained the clear conditions under the Public Order Act, saying that organizers must notify the police between three and 14 days before any demonstration.

He explained that the notice period allows authorities to plan security, manage traffic and agree on routes to minimize disruption.

The police boss insisted that last-minute notices would not be accepted, citing logistical challenges and the need to maintain order in the city.

“Protests, public gatherings within the City of Nairobi; we work fully within the law guided by the Public Order Act and the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, which guarantees the right to assemble, protest, present petitions peacefully and without arms. Let me emphasize that we do not oppose or do not give permission for protests, but we facilitate legal gatherings to ensure that citizens exercise their constitutional rights safely and without interference,” Mohamud said.

Are the police against the protests in Nairobi?

He added that the police do not oppose demonstrations but facilitate legal gatherings to ensure participants exercise their rights safely.

The police chief distinguished between peaceful protests and illegal gatherings, warning that any deviation from agreed plans would attract enforcement action.

He warned organizers against blocking roads, disrupting businesses or interfering with public services, saying such actions violate the rights of other citizens.

“Some, it may and now causes disruption of business. That is not allowed. We will deal with you. Others, you block the road and disturb other citizens. You have rights and another system has rights. Although the right to assemble is protected, it is not perfect. Let’s be very clear about it. It is not perfect,” he warned.

Mohamud also raised concerns about protests turning violent or being interfered with by criminals.

He said incidents of property damage, theft and disruption of essential services will not be tolerated, adding that those involved will face arrest and legal action.

To support his position, Mohamud revealed that the police managed to facilitate 18 protests and demonstrations in Nairobi within the last month, all in compliance with legal requirements.

He said the main difference between the protest and the organized oil protest was the compliance with the notification rules and agreed conditions.

“For this month, we have facilitated 18 protests and demonstrations and we have protected them, we have led them and they were able to present them. So do not confuse them with riots and protests, these are different things. So what the law guarantees are protests and demonstrations. So in that regard, we will be able to provide security and protect anyone who is protesting peacefully and without weapons,” he noted.

Why did Mohamud ban the Sifuna meeting?

Elsewhere, tensions rose ahead of Linda Mwananchi’s planned rally in Kakamega, with police warning of possible security threats.

The Western Regional Police Commander, Mohamud, claimed intelligence reports indicate armed groups linked to the incident, allegedly mobilized from Nairobi.

The meeting, chaired by the Nairobi senator Edwin Sifunawas expected to attract important leaders and large crowds.

Read ENGLISH VERSION

Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.

Source: TUKO.co.ke