Govt bans public rallies in Laikipia county
The National Police Service (NPS) has banned all forms of gathering and publics meetings in areas designated as disturbed within the larger Laikipia County.
In a statement to newsrooms on Saturday, September 11, NPS spokesperson Bruno Shioso said police are aware of planned rallies in the area.
"Attention of the National Police Service is drawn by some members of the public to conduct rallies including meetings in areas designated as disturbed by the Kenya Gazette within Laikipia County," the statement by police read in part.
The police spokesperson further warned residents of the county that the areas designated as disturbed will remain shut as security agencies work on restoring calm in the county.
"National Police Service wishes to remind the public that such designated areas are gazetted as disturbed areas with an ongoing multi-agency security operation. This shall remain in place until called off," the statement read.
Shioso warned that it is illegal and irresponsible to hold public rallies or meetings in contravention of the law.
"Any contravention by a person or group of persons shall be met with the full force of the law," the spokesperson warned.
The statement by NPS comes after Interior CS Fred Matiang'i assured residents of the conflict ridden Ol Moran ward that he will camp in the region until everyone is safe and secure.
The CS stated that like other Kenyans the people of Ol Moran and areas across Laikipia deserve a peaceful environment that enables them to conduct their businesses undisturbed.
"Kama Wakenya wengine, the people of Ol-Moran and areas across Laikipia need an environment where they can go about their daily businesses and enjoy peaceful nights undisturbed. That is what we will deliver. We will spend our time here until everyone is safe and secure," the CS said.
His assurance comes in the backdrop of several measures instituted by both the national and the county government of Laikipia to curb the spate of banditry attacks. The deadly attacks have claimed lives of locals and police officers stationed in the region.
