Prof. Kithure Kindiki on Maandamano photo


Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the interior cabinet secretary, said on Tuesday that the Azimio la Umoja coalition is allowed to hold their scheduled public meetings and demonstrations anywhere for any period as long as they notify them to be given security. 


The organization has scheduled anti-government gatherings for December 7 on Wednesday and December 12 on Monday.


Kindiki said that security will be supplied to the organizers.


However, Kindiki cautioned that any act of violence or interruption of operations will be met with stern punishment.


He gave the Azimio organizers specific instructions on the locations and timing of the protest rallies.


We must weigh how our police are deployed throughout the demonstrations since we have a limited number of human resources at our disposal, he added.


Speaking to the media on Tuesday from Harambee House in Nairobi, Kindiki stated that the Ministry had no interest in interfering with the meetings because doing so would violate Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees everyone the right to petition and demonstrate in front of public officials.


According to Kindiki, "The Ministry of Interior is putting in place all the required security measures to guarantee that our fellow Kenyans may exercise their freedom to associate, demonstrate, protest, or air their complaints."


To organize ourselves since we have a limited number of human resources to utilize, he said, "We will, however, need to be provided the whole calendar of where those activities are, as well as their type and frequency.


Kindiki pledged that the Ministry will be neutral and refrain from politicking opposition gatherings.


"As long as it is legal, we have no interest in the protesters' political objective. Therefore, Kindiki added, "We will avoid politicizing the situation and maintain our professionalism to ensure that individuals who want to voice their complaints are given a forum and that others who disagree with them do not cause a disturbance.


He said that anyone attending the demonstrations shouldn't be armed and that they shouldn't bother people or enter their property.


Kindiki asserts that since it is permitted by the constitution, Azimo has a right to protest or picket.


His remarks follow Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga's announcement on Monday that the alliance will organize statewide public consultation forums beginning on December 7 at the Kamukunji grounds.


Raila claimed that the sessions were consultative in nature rather than demonstrations as had been perceived.


The CS said that the government gave police personnel' mental health first priority. He said that pre-deployment and post-deployment counseling would be provided to officers who will be stationed in difficult places.


Kindiki noted that the Border Police Hospital, Kenya Prison Service Hospital, and National Police Service Hospital would all be formally inaugurated within the next thirty days.


He remarked, "These facilities will assist us deal with wounded officers while doing their duties as well as deal with the mental concerns of our uniformed men and women while performing their duties."


In an effort to enhance their wellbeing, officers who are now stationed in the Northern and North Eastern regions of the nation will often rotate.


As the holiday season approaches, he reassured Kenyans of their safety by stating that procedures are in place to deal with any incidences of crime or terrorism.


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