Police Clarify Stance on Thursday Demos Amid Circulating Fake Notice
The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed as false a notice circulating on social media claiming that protests scheduled for Thursday, November 21, near Parliament buildings in Nairobi are unauthorized.
Through a post on their X account, the police flagged the document as a forgery, warning the public against falling prey to misinformation. “We wish to caution the general public that the document circulating on social media, claiming to be from NPS, is malicious and fake. The document is from unscrupulous impostors with criminal intent,” the statement read.
The fake notice purported to announce that no permits had been issued for protests coinciding with President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address at Parliament. The protests, organized by aggrieved Kenyans, aim to highlight issues including abductions, femicide cases, the controversial rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), corruption, and poor governance.
While the disinformation suggested that Parliament, as a protected zone, is off-limits for picketing, the NPS clarified it had not issued such a directive. “We wish to remind you that the Parliament buildings are a sensitive area. We strongly urge the organizers to cease all activities around the Parliament buildings,” the fake notice falsely claimed.
The NPS underscored that no formal communication had been made regarding the planned demonstrations. “As per law, any public gathering or demonstration around the Parliament area must be notified and approved by the police. To date, no such notification has been received,” the police confirmed.
The statement further emphasized the commitment of the NPS to public safety, urging cooperation to prevent disruptions.
These developments follow the massive June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill, which resulted in civilian and police casualties, property destruction, and heightened security measures. Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed the creation of a special Missing Persons Unit (MPU) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to address abductions and extrajudicial killings linked to protests.
The police’s dismissal of the fake notice is seen as a move to quell tension amid renewed calls for accountability and reforms by citizens.
In Other News: Tension As Isaac Mwaura Removed From State House WhatsApp Group
Police Clarify Stance on Thursday Demos Amid Circulating Fake Notice
