Government bans CBD demos in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa

The government has banned any demonstrations in the Central Business Districts of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu with immediate effect.

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, on Thursday insisted that while the constitution provides the right to peaceful protests, the National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters have infringed on other people’s rights in their street protests to protest against IEBC.

“Following a meeting of the National Security Advisory Committee held earlier today and in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Order Act; due to the clear, present and imminent danger of breach of peace and public order as witnessed in recent demos, the government notifies the public that, for the time being, demonstrations shall not be allowed within CBDs,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

The government, according to the CS will now sue NASA CEO, Norman Magaya, in a bid to have all the property destroyed by opposition supporters during these demonstrations paid for.

“We are asking all Kenyans whose property was vandalised as a result of the protests to come forward and report the cases. The convener of the demos must be held accountable and pay for these losses,” added Dr. Matiang’i.

According to Matiang’i, the government arrived at this decision after NASA supporters vandalised a supermarket, attacked a police station and smashed vehicles in yesterday’s demonstrations.

This will now put the government and NASA on a collision path after the opposition coalition announced daily demonstrations starting Monday next week to demand reforms within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.