Gen Z protests have become haven of goons – acting IG Kanja

 

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja now says that the weekly youth protests have become a haven of goons.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Kanja said the goons are only motivated to destroy steal and destroy properties of innocent and hard working Kenyans.

He faulted the organisers for failing to follow the stipulations of law, as is in the Public Order Act.

Kanja insisted that the chaos witnessed as a result of these goons could be avoided, had the organisers done the correct thing, as per law.

"This state of disorder would have been completely avoidable had protesters taken into consideration the simple legal provisions under the Public Order Act that requires organisers of protests or public procession to inform the police or regulating officers in time as led with the constitution," the Acting IG said.

The press briefing came ahead of Tuesday's anticipated protests, where the youth had said they would occupy the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

However, Kanja warned that JKIA is a protected area and anyone who will dare trespass will be dealt with according to the law.

He explained that the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorised persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas.

"The Service reiterates that protected areas are out of bounds to unauthorised persons as indicated in Protected Areas Act Cap 204 laws of Kenya.

"Further all unauthorised persons are hereby warned not to trespass protected areas."

Kanja further enumerated that Section 58 of the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a government airfield or a licensed airfield commits an offence punishable by law.

Kanja also called on members of the public to remain vigilant at all times when in crowded places.

He urged the public to provide information that can help the police detect and prevent crime as a result of protests.

"We also urge members of public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and share any information that may assist us in detecting and preventing crime.

"We must separate criminals and they must be dealt with as guided by law. Any person who breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly, firmly and decisively, in accordance with the law," Kanja insisted.

by BRIAN ORUTA