No protests are allowed in Nairobi

The National Police on Wednesday warned the public against organizing or participating in protests on Thursday when President William Ruto is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.

Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango said police were not formally notified by the alleged organizers as required by the Public Order Act.

This means that no protests will be allowed in the city on Thursday, as previously announced.

Police were deployed to several places in the city early on Thursday in anticipation of the protests.

The officers also patrolled on foot and in cars to disperse a group of more than three.

This warning follows reports circulating on social media about possible demonstrations related to growing political discontent.

“The attention of the National Police (NPS) is drawn to information circulating via social media regarding planned demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The NPS further recognizes the constitutional right of Kenyans to assemble, protest, demonstrate or petitioning public bodies,” Resila said.

“In exercising this right, the law imposes a responsibility on organizers to notify the regulating officer (command post officer) in writing at least three days but not more than fourteen days in advance, indicating the details of the planned meeting. This requirement is intended to ensure that appropriate safety and security measures are taken by police during public demonstrations.”

“To date, no such required notification has been made to the regulator by any organiser/planner,” the NPS noted, urging citizens to continue with their daily activities without fear of disruption,” the statement said .

Dr. Onyango urged the public to continue their daily activities “without fear.”

Early in the morning, police removed dozens of billboards that had been put up across the city ahead of the planned protests.

The billboards were mounted at various intersections and roadsides.

Ruto will address a joint session of Parliament on November 21, 2024 at 2:30 PM and will outline the achievements of his government.

Activist groups plan to gather near parliament or the city against what they call bad governance.

Ruto will address the state of the nation in Parliament.

It is unclear how many people will participate.

Police said some roads will be closed from 1pm ahead of the president’s arrival at Parliament.

Such protests have disrupted the city’s business community in the past.

Since June this year, when demonstrators breached the parliament buildings to protest proposed taxes, the city has seen increased police deployment.

Thursday marks the third time that Ruto has addressed the bicameral parliament since taking office.

His first speech on September 29, 2022 inaugurated the 13th Parliament, while his second, on November 9, 2023, fulfilled the constitutional requirement for an annual State of the Nation address.

The upcoming session comes as his government faces mounting criticism over unmet expectations, particularly problems with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) – the new health fund, which has raised public concerns about healthcare accessibility.

Despite mounting criticism, the government remains committed to its new healthcare model and calls on Kenyans to register.

A section of church leaders have joined the voices of discontent, condemning the government’s inaction in solving the problems plaguing the system.

In addition to healthcare, President Ruto’s government continues to face criticism for its handling of the economy and education.

Ruto, who has been accused by some of ‘buying’ the opposition’s silence, will try to reassure Kenyans that all is not lost after three years in power.