The National Police Service (NPS) has announced six mandatory rules that all public rallies organisers must follow before convening a public event.
In a statement, NPS reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order while safeguarding the public’s rights to peaceful assembly.
However, the service noted that it will only allow peaceful assembly convened under Article 24, which outlines the limitations on rights and fundamental freedoms.
In it’s new requirements, NPS directed that all public meetings and processions be held between 6am and 6pm, with organisers required to notify the regulating officer at least three days before the event.
“A notice to hold such meetings or processions must be submitted to the regulating officer at least three days before such a meeting but not more than 14 days before the proposed date of the meeting or procession,” part of the statement read.
Police sets requirements for public events ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally
According to the authority, the rally organisers are required to provide their full names and physical addresses and indicate the proposed date of the meeting.
Organisers of such events are required to disclose the specific venue or procession route in advance and remain accountable for the conduct of participants.
“The Public Order Act Cap. 56(5) provides the conditions that must be met before holding a public meeting or a public procession,” the NPS statement further read.
This comes at a time when the Linda Mwananchi movement is preparing for a busy political weekend in the Nyanza region, with a major rally scheduled for Sunday, April 26, at the Owuor Grounds in Kisumu.
The movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, is expected to kick off its activities in Vihiga on Saturday, April 25, before proceeding to Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, for the main rally.
