On July 23, 2024, the National Police Service (NPS) has issued a warning to protesters planning demonstrations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced that JKIA is a restricted area and will be heavily guarded to prevent any disruptions.
The demonstrations, organized by a group known as Gen Z, aim to protest President William Ruto’s recent reappointments of Cabinet Secretaries who were previously dismissed. This move has caused dissatisfaction among the group, prompting them to plan a march to the airport to express their discontent.
According to the information released, the protesters intend to gather at JKIA and cause significant disruptions. The Inspector General stressed that JKIA is classified as a no-go zone due to its status as a protected area under The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 of the Laws of Kenya. This law designates specific sites, such as the LPG Plant and Bitumen Plant depots within the airport, as crucial infrastructure that requires special protection.
Inspector General Kanja’s warning highlights the importance of maintaining order and safety during the protests. He stated that the police will be monitoring the situation closely and will enforce the law to ensure that the protests do not lead to property damage or harm to individuals. The police are prepared to take necessary actions to protect the airport and its facilities.
In his statement, Kanja urged all Kenyans planning to participate in the demonstrations to do so peacefully. He emphasized that while the right to protest is protected, it should not come at the expense of public safety or the integrity of essential services. The authorities are calling for restraint and respect for the law during the protests.
The move by Gen Z to target JKIA for their demonstration is seen as a strategic choice, given the airport’s importance to both domestic and international travel. However, the government’s response shows the need to balance the right to protest with the need to safeguard critical infrastructure.
The planned demonstration has attracted significant attention, with many people watching closely to see how the situation will unfold. The authorities are keen on avoiding a repeat of past incidents where protests have led to violence and property destruction. The focus now is on ensuring that the protest remains peaceful and does not interfere with the operations of JKIA.
As the date of the protest approaches, both the protesters and the general public are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and to adhere to any directives issued by the authorities.
The police have promised to provide regular updates and to engage with the community to address any concerns that may arise.
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