JKIA is a Protected Place, Police Warns Protesters. In advance of Tuesday’s anticipated anti-government protests in Nairobi. Police have issued warnings to demonstrators not to enter protected areas.
Since President William Ruto shelved the divisive Finance Bill, 2024, late last month, demonstrators have persisted in opposing his administration. Furthermore, demanding a complete restructure of the government. Others demand his resignation as well.
In anticipation of this week, demonstrators have begun organizing online for a Tuesday. Titled as march to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), called “OccupyJKIA.” This follows the success of last week’s “OcuppyCBD” march in Nairobi’s downtown and the “OccupyParliament” march in the Parliament buildings.
While it is everyone’s right to demonstrate, acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja stated on Monday that Kenyans must be aware of the legislative limits that control entry to restricted locations.
What The Law says on protected areas
“Unauthorized access into locations designated as protected areas is prohibited by Kenya’s Protected locations Act, Cap. 204 Laws. The police chief added in a statement, “The LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and the Petroleum depots located at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA) are included in the Protected Areas. This is Order as specified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule.
He continued by saying that anyone who trespasses on property that is a part of a government airfield or an aerodrome commits an offense that is punishable by law under the Kenya Civil Aviation Act.
He added that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a government aerodrome commits an offence punishable by law. JKIA is a Protected Place, Police Warns Protesters
“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,” Kanja added. As previously seen on demonstration police using to much force to protesters, we are yet to believe that also demonstrations will be peacefully as required by the law. Hence to avoid loss of life and destructions of properties.
High Court suspends police protests ban in Nairobi
