In Summary:
- Acting IG reveals plans of security agencies to thwart plans to invade JKIA
- He urges protesters to keep of JKIA and other protected areas
The acting Inspector General of Police has revealed that security agencies will uphold and enforce the rule of law following plans by protesters to storm the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
In a statement,Douglas Kanja maintained NPS’ commitment to Article 37 which allows the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities, as well as its mandate to ensure public safety and national security.
“In light of the demonstrations planned for July 23, 2024, it is critical to firmly remind the public of the legal boundaries that govern access to protected areas.”
Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” the statement read in part.
In addition, NPS made reference to the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass which 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.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” NPS reiterated.
