The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has warned Kenyans protesting against the Finance Bill 2024 against trying to occupy Parliament buildings in Nairobi.
In a statement on Thursday, June 20, IG Koome said the National Police Service (NPS) will not allow demonstrators to storm critical government infrastructure.
“With utmost respect to the provisions of Article 37 of the Constitution stipulating the right of citizens to assemble, demonstrate and picket, the Service will neither condone nor approve efforts by demonstrators to either occupy critical government infrastructure including Parliament Buildings or disrupt the ongoing Parliamentary proceedings,” said Koome.
The Police IG noted that NPS would continue maintaining law and order and protecting life and property
“The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to maintain law and order; and protect life and property,” Koome added.
His statement comes after irate Kenyans took to the streets on Thursday to demonstrate over the Finance Bill 2024.The demos were witnessed across many towns in the country including Eldoret, Kisii, Nanyuki, Isiolo, Kakamega, and Garissa towns.
The protests were also held in Kisumu, Nyeri, Kakamega, Nakuru, and Kirinyaga counties.
In Nairobi, hundreds of youths turned up to demand the Finance Bill 2024 be dropped. The protestors however met the heavily deployed anti-riot and GSU officers who blocked them from marching to Parliament.
The officers were forced to lob several tear gas canisters and use water canons to stop the irate Kenyans.
Trucks full of officers were packed outside the Parliament buildings with Parliament Road, and City Hall Way barricaded.
