High Court suspends NPS ban on Nairobi protests

The High Court has suspended a decision taken by the National Police Service (NPS) boss Douglas Kirocho on a press release issued on the 17th to ban demonstrations in Nairobi.

While issuing the orders, Justice Bahati Mwamuye certified the matter filed by Katiba Institute as urgent.

The Acting Inspector General of Police had announced the ban on demonstrations planned for Thursday by Kenyan youths (Gen Z’s).

He stated that since the demonstrations began in June, the country has suffered enormous losses, including injuries, deaths, and destruction of property and businesses.

Kirocho explained that criminals have infiltrated the protesting groups, leading to a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct.

“While Article 37 of the Constitution provides the right to assemble, picket, and demonstrate peacefully and to present petitions to public authorities, the Constitution equally outlines the critical role the NPS plays in national security,” he said.

In line with the NPS’s constitutional role and national security interests, Kirocho announced that credible intelligence indicates organized criminal groups are planning to exploit the protests for looting and other attacks.

“Acting on this information and in accordance with international security standards for public assemblies, which require a designated leader to coordinate, collaborate, and cooperate with police for peaceful demonstrations, the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols,” Kirocho stated.

As a result, Kirocho declared that no demonstrations would be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.

He appealed to the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and support collective safety and security by sharing any information that could aid the police in crime detection and prevention.

“We wish to reiterate our commitment to partnering with members of the public and the media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us,” Kirocho concluded.