The National Police service has declared Azimio planned protests illegal.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow stated that previous demos by the Azimio Party had criminal incidents including destruction of property ,arson, robbery ,looting ,injuries’ to officers and even the police of a police officer.

“The National Police Service wishes to communicate regarding the demonstration by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance planned for Nairobi on 2nd May 2023. Undisputedly , the Constitution of Kenya , 2010 under Article 37 stipulates that every person has the right ,peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate , picket and represent petitions to public authorities. Not with standing the Public Order Management Act ,2012, part III regulates public gatherings by prohibiting offensive weapons at public gatherings,” Gabow said.

According to the Deputy Inspector General, the demos will not be allowed “in the interests of national security.

“In the interests of nation security , we wish to notify the public the public that the planned demonstrations or assembly is unlawful and affirm our earlier unequivocal statements condemning violent protests and public attacks on Law Enforcements Officers was on duty. Since the beginning of Azimio protests last year, our officers have responded with utmost restraint despite the provocation by the illegal protestors again. We wish to reiterate our responsibility to maintain law and order and enforce the law without fear or favor,” he said.

Azimio

The declaration comes hours after Raila Odinga claimed that Azimio leaders received threats to their lives because of the planned demonstrations stated for May 2,2023.

“The warnings have included repeated threats of assassination of Azimio leaders from Mr. Rigathi Gachagua and Mr. Moses Kuria. The latest warning come from the President who vowed to stop the planned demonstrations at all costs and declared them “nonsense,”Raila said.

Raila has stated that the planned Azimio protests will go on since the constitution provides that every person has to peaceably and unarmed assembly and to demonstrate , picket and present petitions to public authorities.

He further stated that he was ready for any eventuality should the government decide to turn the planned demos into a showdown.

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