Kenya Police Warns Protestors Against Demonstrations At JKIA
On Monday evening, the National Police Service warned protesters not to enter Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Douglas Kanja, Acting Inspector General, warned that the airport is a constitutionally protected area.
“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 (JKIA),” read the notice in part.
Furthermore, the Police warned that under the Kenya Civil Aviation Act, any trespass to a government aerodrome or an aerodrome licensed under government regulations was a criminal offense.
PRESS RELEASE ON LEGAL COMPLIANCE DURING PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS ON JULY 23, 2024 pic.twitter.com/5gcg1GmG8A
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) July 22, 2024
“In addition, Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a Government aerodrome or an aerodrome licensed under regulations made under this Act commits an offence punishable by law,” stated the NPS.
According to the law, the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prohibits unauthorized entry into areas designated as protected areas.
Following this notice, the police have urged all demonstrators to respect the legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas.
The police statement comes shortly after the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued an advisory to passengers requesting that they arrive at the airport early due to increased security checks.
“Due to heightened security checks and protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights,” stated KAA.
Additionally, KAA advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the most up-to-date flight information prior to their journey.
The guidelines for protests come just days after the High Court lifted a ban on protests in Nairobi on July 18.
The ban was imposed by the NPS on July 17 after police received intelligence that the protests could turn violent.
Kenya Police Warns Protestors Against Demonstrations At JKIA
