Published on July 22, 2024 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 2 years by Kariuki Mwangi
The National Police Service on Monday evening warned protestors against accessing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Acting Inspector General, Douglas Kanja warned that the airport was a protected area under the constitution.
“ Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, includes the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA,” read the notice in part.
Further, the Police cautioned that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act provided that any trespass to a government aerodrome or any aerodrome licensed under government regulations was an offence punishable by law.
“In addition, Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a Government aerodrome or an aerodrome licensed under regulations made under this Act commits an offence punishable by law,” stated the NPS.
According to the law, The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas.
Following this notice the police have urged all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect the legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas.
Protesters have since President William Ruto dropped the contentious Finance Bill, 2024, late last month continued with demos against his administration, calling for an overhaul of the entire government. Others also call for his resignation.
Ahead of this week, protesters have been mobilising online for a Tuesday march to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) dubbed ‘OccupyJKIA’ after a previous Parliament buildings edition dubbed ‘OccupyParliament’ and the ‘OcuppyCBD’ march in the Nairobi city centre.
Kanja said while it is every Kenyan’s right to protest, they must take note of the legal boundaries that govern access to protected areas.
“The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas. Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” the police boss said in a statement.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” Kanja said.
