The new acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued fresh directives ahead of mass demonstrations set to happen tomorrow as Gen Z plans to Occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Issuing a warning statement on Monday evening, Kanja noted that JKIA is a protected area and therefore protesters will not be allowed to occupy it and protest as planned.
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“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).”
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.”
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.
The statement form the police comes moments after the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued an advisory to passengers requesting them to arrive at the airport early due to heightened security checks.
“Due to heightened security checks and protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights.”
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However, several social media individuals have insisted that they will go ahead with their planned Occupy JKIA demonstrations set to mount more pressure to President William Ruto’s administration to resign.