Police Boss Warns Protestors Against Trespassing Protected Areas

Kanja said protected areas are out of bounds as stipulated in the Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 laws of the country, and cautioned those planning to access the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other facilities to keep off.'All unauthorised persons are hereby warned not to trespass on protected areas. The Kenya Civil Aviation Act provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of the government commits an offence that is punishable by law,' warned Kanja.He reiterated that any person who breaks the law will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law, noting that what is happening in the country currently is not good, citing the plan of protestors going to JKIA to overrun the facility.The Acting IG, who was addressing the media at Jogoo House, said the National Police Service was working closely with other security agencies to ensure the country is safe and secure for all.The police boss said, according to intelligence reports, the current demonstrations have been turne d into a haven by opportunistic goons who are motivated to loot and destroy the property of innocent and hardworking Kenyans.'There is a group of people who are planning to disrupt activities in protected areas. This will not be allowed. We must separate criminals, and they must be dealt with by the law,' warned Kanja.He also appealed to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and to share any information that may assist the police in detecting and preventing crime, adding that the security of the country is a collective responsibility for all citizens.Kanja commended police officers serving in the country for their dedication to duty while serving under some of the most difficult circumstances and urged them to continue serving the country without fear of intimidation or favour.He at the same time called on Kenyans to protect and help in developing the country, since they do not have another country if it is destroyed.The police boss said since the demonstrations started, live s have been lost, both civilians and police officers have suffered injuries, property that includes businesses and police vehicles have been destroyed, and others have lost their livelihoods.He said that despite the losses, the police service has upheld with the utmost respect the rights of all people and allowed them to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, as well as present their petitions to public authorities as guaranteed by Article 37 of the Constitution.Source: Kenya News Agency