Police warn against today's Maandamano in CBD ahead of Ruto's address

On Wednesday, the National Police Services warned members of the public against taking part in today’s planned demonstration in Nairobi CBD.

In a late-night statement, NPS spokesperson Resila Onyango said that they had not received any notice concerning protests in Nairobi. As required by the law.

The protests had been called by a section of Kenyans on social media, ahead of President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address in Parliament later today.

"Attention of the National Police Service (NPS) is drawn to information circulating about planned demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024, through social media. NPS further acknowledges the Constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceably and while unarmed, assemble, picket, demonstrate or present petitions to public Offices," Resila said.

"In exercise of these right, the law places a responsibility on organizers to notify the Regulating Officer (Officer Commanding Station) in writing at least three days but no more than fourteen days in advance, specifying the details of the planned meeting. This requirement is intended to ensure that proper safety and security measures are put in place by Police during public demonstrations."

“To date, no such requisite notification by any organizer/planner has been issued to the Regulating Officer,” the NPS noted, urging citizens to continue their daily activities without fear of disruption," added the statement.

The NPS spokesperson went on to tell the public to go on with their daily activities without fear.

However, early Thursday Police were deployed to various places in the city ahead of the anticipated protests.

The officers also patrolled on foot and cars dispersing any group of more than three.

The caution follows reports circulating on social media about possible demonstrations linked to growing political discontent.

President William Ruto will address a joint session of Parliament on November 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., and he will outline his administration’s accomplishments.

Activist groups plan to rally near Parliament or the city against what they term bad governance.