The National Police Service has warned demonstrators against breaching some sections of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), citing its status as a protected area under the constitution of Kenya.
While acknowledging the stipulated rights of the citizens to peacefully picket and demonstrate and the role of the police to ensure public safety and national security, the body has reiterated that trespassing in protected zones is punishable by law.
“The Protected Areas Act, Cap. 204 Laws of Kenya, prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into areas that have been declared to be protected areas. Protected Areas Order, as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum deposits situated at the Embakasi Aviation Deport,” NPS Boss said.
The facility is a protected area under Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013, Section 58, which outlines the conditions and the bound consequences when contravened.
“In addition, Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a Government acrodrome or an acrodrome licensed under regulations made under this Act commits an offense punishable by law,” NPS Boss, Kanja said.
The youthful protesters had earlier listed JKIA as the target zone to stage the planned Tuesday demonstrations, dubbed ‘#OccupyJKIA’ over what they termed a blind eye to the constitutional demands of the president.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Airports Authority, on their X handle, issued a travel notice to the JKIA passengers to advance on their arrival time to avoid any potential delays due to the intensified security checks and protocols at the airport.
“Due to heightened security checks & protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights”
The government had already formally written to the Ford Foundation, demanding a response to the accusation of indirectly sponsoring the anti-government protests by funding a selection of civil societies in Kenya, suspected to be the protests driving force.
On Sunday, while in Bomet County after a church service, Ruto called out the youth for refusing and snubbing the call to engage in dialogue, following the June 25th, 2024, demonstrations.
He vowed to protect the country going forward against what he termed faceless, formless leadership and a unanimous group seeking to plunge the country into anarchy and economic blackmail.
“We cannot surrender our democracy to faceless, formless, and anonymous anarchists. Going forward, we will protect the nation, life, and property,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s salvos of warning at demonstrators have been dismissed and slammed by a section of the opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, who recently opposed the planned dialogue and formation of the so-called ‘broad-based’ government by the President.
“No one should talk as if he owns the country. That is an expression of his opinion. The country has moved on and ahead of these Kenya Kwanza leaders. Enough is enough,” Kalonzo said.
