Interior CS Kindiki assures Azimio of security during planned rallies

The government will provide security to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party during Wednesday's political rally as well as all subsequent engagements, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has said.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, CS Kindiki said the government will not interfere with any political activity from the opposition as long as they are held within the stipulations of the law.

The CS said security teams would be dispatched for the protection of those in attendance in accordance with the Constitution, as he cautioned the opposition supporters from engaging in violence or carrying weapons to the supposed peaceful meetings.

“Demonstrations, picketing, and airing of grievances, meetings and assembly must be peaceful. We expect those who are engaging in this activity to respect our Constitution and the law,” he said, citing Article 37 of the Constitution.

“These activities and events must be unarmed. Anybody carrying any weapon, including rocks, stones, and other materials that can hurt other people would be in violation of our Constitution. You must not encroach on the rights of other people who are not interested or even bothered with what you’re doing. Their businesses must be protected."

While noting that the country has competing demands for its security, the CS asked Azimio to formally present the schedule, frequency and nature of its planned events to enable the government to make necessary security arrangements and support.

“We cannot deploy the entire contingent of our police service just because of one section of society. We need to know the requirements they need so that we can balance them with the other needs that also require our services,” he said.

At the same time, he underscored that the government would not engage in partisan politics or use security agencies to advance political causes as he urged the opposition to respect the law.

“We will not politicize security, if we do so we endanger the country. The future of this country lies in our institutions. We are therefore not interested in the agenda that those who want to protest this week are engaged in so long as its lawful agenda,” he said.

CS Kindiki’s remarks preceded a statement from the National Police Service (NPS) which also committed to providing security to Azimio in their planned public consultations as they also warned protesters against violence.

"In respect of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 under Article 37 which provides that every person has the right to the peaceful gathering, demonstration and picketing, the law further provides under Article 33 (3) of the Constitution that in exercising the freedom of expression, every person shall respect the rights of others," read a statement by Deputy Inspector General Noor Gabow.

"In this regard, the National Police Service will provide adequate security for the planned rallies, and we call upon all members in attendance to maintain peace. However, any breach of the peace shall be dealt with in accordance with the law."

Azimio leader Raila Odinga last week announced countrywide demonstrations to oppose President Ruto’s administration.

“On the 7th of December, at the historic Kamukunji grounds here in Nairobi, we will launch public consultations with the people of Kenya to brainstorm on the direction the country is taking,” he stated.

“We will return to the Kamukunji grounds on 12th December to continue with these consultations on the state of the Kenyan nation and also to have a prayer for democracy in our country which is right now under threat by this administration.”