NPS Warns Politicians Against Incitement in Kenya: No Violence at Political Rallies

• The National Police Service has warned politicians against incitement and provocation.
• Officers deployed to political events must maintain law and order while exercising professionalism, impartiality, and restraint.
• Anyone facilitating violence, disorder, or unlawful conduct will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.
• The NPS has emphasized the importance of adhering to Standard Operating Procedures for maintaining public order at political events.

“Any individual found to be facilitating violence, disorder, or unlawful activity will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law, without exception,”

Kenya is currently experiencing heightened political tensions, with various incidents of violence and disorder reported across the country. The situation has been further exacerbated by the arrest of 15 suspects along the Kisumu-Kericho Road on Saturday, August 15, who were found in possession of crude weapons and are being held pending arraignment. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly hired to disrupt political activities in the area.

The developments have placed security agencies under pressure to prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence while ensuring that legitimate political activities proceed peacefully.

In response to the rising tensions, the National Police Service (NPS) has issued a stern warning to politicians, rally organisers, and other individuals against incitement, provocation, or any conduct likely to undermine peace and public order. The NPS has directed officers deployed to political events and public gatherings to maintain law and order while exercising professionalism, impartiality, and restraint.

The Service has also emphasized the importance of adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures for maintaining public order at political events, which includes facilitating the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring public order and safety. Officers must strike a balance between protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and preventing violence, disorder, and other unlawful activities.

The NPS has warned that anyone facilitating violence, disorder, or unlawful conduct will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law. This includes politicians, rally organisers, and other individuals who engage in incitement or provocation.

The warning comes amid assurances by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo that the government would protect Kenyans exercising their constitutional right to assemble and participate in political activities. However, Omollo cautioned political actors and their supporters to respect the law and maintain peace while exercising their freedoms.

Lawyers advising political clients should note that the NPS has warned that anyone facilitating violence, disorder or unlawful conduct will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law. Compliance officers should also monitor for any updates on the Standard Operating Procedures for maintaining public order at political events.

Source: Original reporting via The Kenya Gazette