Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has dismissed the National Police Service (NPS) remarks on demonstrations in Nairobi CBD today, Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The police in their statement, had announced that no demonstrations will be allowed in Nairobi’s CBD until further notice due to a lack of proper leadership to coordinate with officers to enable peaceful protests.
“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.
“As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety,” the notice shared by NPS read in part.
But in a rejoinder, Karua noted that the police did not have the power to permit demos, adding that their only duty is to offer security.
“You have no power to “permit”demonstrations. Your duty is to offer security,” Karua said.
You have no power to “permit”demonstrations. Your duty is to offer security https://t.co/m9TARLf3uK
— Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua) July 17, 2024
This comes ahead of the anticipated anti-government protests spearheaded by the youth.
According to the youth, the demos are meant to pressure President William Ruto’s administration into meeting their demands which include Ruto’s resignation, and the firing of Principal Secretaries (PSs) among others.
