A contingent of police officers stationed outside Parliament buildings in anticipation of mass demonstrations. PHOTO | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Government reinforces security around Parliament following protest threats.
- Police warn against unauthorized demonstrations near Parliament buildings.
On Tuesday, the government dispatched a significant number of police officers to the vicinity of parliament buildings after receiving threats from a section of Kenyans intending to storm the premises.
The officers cordoned off the area surrounding Bunge Tower, restricting unauthorized access to ensure heightened security.
Images obtained by Topnews.co.ke show armed police officers, dressed in full gear, patrolling in groups around the parliament building.
Police water trucks were also seen stationed along the highway leading to the building, readying for a potential confrontation.
This action follows threats by Kenyans planning to demonstrate outside the parliament to prevent the passage of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Sources indicate that the demonstrations, led by human rights activists and civil society groups, are scheduled to commence at noon.
“Today’s call for Kenyans to assemble outside Parliament is in line with the rights of Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition Parliament under the Constitution of Kenya Article 37,” stated Amnesty International, a human rights group.
“The focus of the picket is to express the views of Kenyans on the 2024/2025 Budget and the proposed taxation measures.”
However, Nairobi Region Police Commander Adamson Bungei has issued a warning that no protests or picketing will be permitted near the parliament buildings.
Speaking to Citizen TV, Bungei clarified that no official application for picketing had been submitted as required by law, and police will decisively handle any unauthorized gatherings.
He emphasized that police officers have been mobilized to ensure any assembly within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) is immediately dispersed.