Ruto, Kindiki issues orders to police on mass action, remains silent on the ban
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Ruto and Kindiki give orders to the National Police ahead of planned mass action on Monday by the Azimio coalition
Ruto and Kindiki give orders to the National Police ahead of planned mass action on Monday by the Azimio coalition.
Ahead to the anticipated mass demonstration planned by Azimio Leader Umoja Raila Odinga, President William Ruto instructed the National Police Service (NPS) to carry out their duty in accordance with the Constitution.
Speaking at a church service in Kapsabet Showground, Nandi County, on Sunday, March 19, Ruto said that the police would make sure that everyone’s rights would be upheld, regardless of whether they participated in the protests or went about their daily lives.
He issued a warning to those who would protest, telling them not to infringe on the fundamental rights of other citizens or they would be subject to the full force of the law.
“I instruct the police to do their work according to the constitution. They are professional people and they are going to ensure the rights of everybody are protected. The rights of those who want to protest and the rights of those who want to go about their businesses.
“I have confidence in our police men and women because I have told them that I don’t need them to help me with politics but they need to concentrate on their mandate to protect the rights of every citizen,” Ruto noted.
In addition, his Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Sunday also issued a statement in connection with planned mass action by Azimio la Umoja on Monday.
He, however, did not say if the protests are banned or not.
Police had earlier announced the protests are banned as they do not meet the threshold of the Public Order Act.
Kindiki issued a statement saying the National Police Service in the discharge of its mandate of protection of life and property, maintenance of law and order, and preservation of peace shall ensure no life or property is lost or destroyed by people exercising their rights under Article 37 or any other provision of the Constitution.
“In balancing the rights of those invoking Article 37 with the rights of the rest of Kenyans, security agencies shall enforce the Constitution firmly, decisively, and resolutely with no regard for political persuasion or social standing of those involved.
“It is hereby notified for information of the general public that pursuant to the Protected Areas Act (CAP 204 of the Laws of Kenya), security agencies shall prevent unauthorized access to all protected areas,” he said.
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Kindiki added that the government reiterates its commitment to respect, protect, and promote all fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
“The same Constitution, however, limits the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of others and to promote broader societal interests including public order, safety, and morality,” he added.
“In exercise of their rights or freedoms, no one may engage in threats, lawlessness, violence, destruction of property or obstruction of activities of other people or in any other way infringe on the rights or freedoms of others.”
He assured the public of their safety and advised everyone to continue with their activities uninterrupted and allow security agencies to discharge their mandate of maintaining law and order.
“Monday 20th March 2023 is a normal working day. All weekday activities including learning in schools and other educational institutions shall proceed normally.
“Any person who incites public disorder or otherwise breaches the peace in any part of the Republic of Kenya shall be prosecuted,” he said.
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