Nasa does not have a permit for Jacaranda rally: Japheth Koome
Nairobi Police Commander Japheth Koome. He has said Nasa did not get a permit for a planned rally in Jacaranda Grounds, Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Nasa planned to hold a rally at Jacaranda grounds on Sunday.
- But Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome says the rally is illegal.
The Opposition has not sought permission to hold a rally on Sunday afternoon at the Jacaranda grounds, Embakasi, Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome has said.
Speaking at the police headquarters on Sunday, he added that the Opposition has not notified the police of the rally and to provide security as required by law.
OBEY LAW
“It is a must you notify the area OCS if one is to hold a public gathering. Nobody is above the law,” said Mr Koome.
He said he will be firm and will not be intimidated by anybody.
If chaos erupt in the rally, the organisers will be held responsible, said Mr Koome.
DEFY POLICE
Nasa had called for a rally on Sunday afternoon and it was scheduled to start at 2pm.
Siaya Senator James Orengo said the rally will go on as planned, despite Mr Koome saying it is illegal.
He said Nasa will not recognise the order by the police as it has no basis in law.
Mr Orengo spoke as he waited for Mr Musalia Mudavadi, Mr Moses Wetang'ula and other Nasa leaders so they can go to the rally venue.
DEMOS
Mr Koome warned the Opposition against disrupting peace in Nairobi or holding illegal gatherings and protests. He said the city enjoyed relative calm last week.
The police commander also said the Opposition has not notified the police of the demonstrations that are scheduled to resume next week. He added that he will not give permits for the protests.
Mr Koome added that security would be beefed up at the Supreme Court next week as the hearing of the petition against the presidential election begins.
“I have heard of some people who want to demonstrate on Tuesday. I will not allow [that]. Let’s go back to the law. It’s their right, but we will not accept someone who wants to cause fear and economic sabotage. We will not accept,” said Mr Koome.
He assured investors and residents of their security.
'POOR SERVICE'
Meanwhile, Mr Koome said the report that Kenya’s police service is one of the worst globally is just an opinion.
He said investors come Kenya because of security, adding that police officers are dedicated to their jobs.
The 2016 World Internal Security and Police Index report released on Saturday put Kenya’s police at position 125 out of 127 countries.
