Politicians to notify police 3 days before holding public meetings, processions

Police IG Douglas Kanja

Politicians intending to convene a public meeting or procession must notify the officer in charge of the police station in the area where the proposed meeting or procession is scheduled to take place at least three days before the event.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the notice must not be issued more than 14 days before the proposed date of the event.

The NPS said the requirement is meant to enable police to carry out effective and informed security coverage, while ensuring compliance with constitutional standards on human rights and fundamental freedoms as provided for under the Public Order Act, ahead of the elections

“It is important to remind all persons that, in accordance with Section 5(3)(a) and (c) of the Public Order Act, any person intending to convene a public meeting or procession must adhere to the following,” the NPS said in a statement on Saturday.

The NPS highlighted that the notice must include the full names and physical address of the organiser, as well as the proposed site of the meeting or, in the case of a procession, the proposed route.

The proposed date and time must also be specified, with the event expected to take place between 6:00am and 6:00pm.

The Service said the requirements are also intended to curb conduct that undermines public order, especially as the country approaches the campaign and election period, which has previously been marked by political intolerance, violence and thuggery.

“Such conduct undermines public order, threatens national cohesion and infringes upon the constitutional rights of citizens to associate peacefully, assemble and participate in political activities,” the NPS said.

The NPS further stated that where it is not possible to hold a proposed meeting or procession because notice of another event has already been received for the same date, time and venue, the regulating officer shall promptly inform the organiser.

The organiser will then be expected to plan the event for a later date, time and venue.

“Where the regulating officer notifies the organiser that it is not possible to hold the proposed meeting or procession, such event shall not take place on the date, at the time, and at the venue originally proposed. It may, however, subject to this section, be held on a future date as the organiser may subsequently notify,” the NPS said.

The NPS vowed tough action against individuals found engaging in acts of violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings.

The Service further called on political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders to uphold peace, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law at all times to ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the elections.