‘Nonsense’, Raila says of police decision not to acknowledge notification of protests
Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga has criticized the decision by the police not to recognize the notification from his coalition about their planned demonstration on Monday.
Speaking at a church service in Ongata Rongai, Raila described the police decision as “nonsense,” insisting that the protests would go on as planned. He argued that the police’s role is to provide security and not to grant permission.
“Mr. Oparanya had written to the police and told them that people would protest. I now hear the Nairobi police say they have not got the information right. That is nonsense. The job of the police is to provide security,” he said.
“We will not be intimidated or blackmailed by the police. Tomorrow is a public holiday and Kenya is bigger than anyone else,” he added.
Earlier, Nairobi regional commander Adamson Bungei had announced that the police had denied two requests for protests by Azimio la Umoja and the Nairobi Businessmen Community for failing to meet the legal requirements. Bungei explained that the groups did not notify the police three days before the protests as required by the Public Order Act.
Bungei also noted that State House, where Azimio la Umoja intended to march to, is an unauthorized area, and no one is allowed there. He warned that any person planning to breach the peace would be dealt with decisively according to the law.
However, Raila maintained that they would proceed with the demonstration, which aims to demand electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general election. He urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful and to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The police have assured all Kenyans and persons of goodwill in Nairobi that they have taken appropriate security measures to ensure public safety and freedom of movement at all levels.