Acting IG Douglas Kanja Warns Against Unauthorized JKIA Protests
Douglas Kanja, the Acting Inspector General of Police, has asked the public to avoid crowded areas as anti-government demonstrations take place across the country.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, the Acting Inspector General urged the public to remain vigilant to ensure their safety while going about their daily activities.
“We also appeal to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and share any information that may assist the police in detecting and preventing crime,” he said.
The Acting Inspector General (IG) also revealed that the National Police Service (NPS) had received intelligence that goons were planning to storm several protected areas, in addition to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which Kenyans planned to occupy Tuesday.
Acting IG Douglas Kanja: The service reiterates that protected areas are out of bounds to unauthorized persons. For the avoidance of doubt, JKIA is listed as a protected area.#NewDawn pic.twitter.com/AkfQ8i0Ayq
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 23, 2024
Kanja vowed that the government will not relent in its mandate to secure critical infrastructure, citing their importance to national security.
He also reiterated that the government will use a multi-agency approach to gather intelligence, prevent crime before it occurs, and secure the country.
“The service reiterates that protected areas are out of bounds to unauthorized persons. For the avoidance of doubt, JKIA is listed as a protected area.”
On Monday, the National Police Service warned protesters not to approach JKIA.
“Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, includes the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot,” read the notice in part.
Furthermore, the Police Service warned that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act gives the government the authority to enforce the law, which states that trespassing on such facilities is an offense.
The police chief then urged all Kenyans participating in demonstrations to follow the law and avoid forcing their way into protected areas.
Kanja praised all police officers for their dedication to duty despite what he described as difficult circumstances.
The Acting Inspector General rallied the police to serve without fear or favour, and to carry out their mandate without fear of intimidation from the public or civic organizations.
Acting IG Douglas Kanja Warns Against Unauthorized JKIA Protests
