The High Court has quashed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja's directive that restrained protests within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Thursday ruled that Kanja's directive in June last year that halted protests within the city centre was unconstitutional and therefore illegal.
The police boss had issued an order stopping protests within Nairobi CBD citing intelligence reports indicating that criminal elements were planning to infiltrate the Gen Z protests. "No demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi CBD and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety," read part of Kanja's directive. Police deployed in Nairobi on Thursday ahead of Nane Nane protests.
Photo Alinur Mohammed "We have incredible intelligence that organised criminal elements are planning to take advantage of the ongoing demonstrations to execute their attacks including looting," Kanja added. However, Katiba Institute filed a petition against the directive, arguing that the police boss surpassed his powers by halting the peaceful demonstrations.
