Acting IG Kanja Warns Gen Z Against Trespassing JKIA

 Nairobi, July 23, 2024 – The ongoing protests at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have gripped the nation, sparking heated debates and widespread attention. But why are Kenyans so determined to occupy JKIA? 

This movement, driven by a mix of political and economic frustrations, represents a significant moment in Kenya’s contemporary history.

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Acting Inspector General of Police, Kanja, issued a strong warning to the Gen Z protesters over legal repercussions. 

"Article 37 of the Constitution very categorically guarantees the right and freedom to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to any public authority," he said in a statement. 

He, however, noted that credible intelligence indicates that the current demos degenerated into a "hen of goons" that was fueled by opportunistic offenders bent on looting and destroying property belonging to innocent and hardworking Kenyans.

This state of disorder would have been completely avoidable had protesters taken into consideration the simple legal provisions under the Public Order Act, which requires organizers of protests or public processions to inform the police or all regulating officers in time as laid out in the Constitution, Kanja stated.

He said no person is allowed to enter a protected area except as provided for under the Protected Areas Act, Cap 204, Laws of Kenya. 

For avoidance of doubt, the Schedule to the Protected Area Order, Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, declares, among others, LPG plants, bitumen plants, and petroleum depots stationed at JKIA as protected areas.

All unauthorized persons are hereby warned not to trespass on protected areas. The Kenya Civil Aviation Act Number 21 of 2013, under Section 58, provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of the government aerodrome or any aerodrome licensed under the regulations made under the Act commits an offense that is punishable by law.

 

Kanja underscored that the security of the country is a collective responsibility and warned that any breach of the law would not be tolerated.