JKIA Is A Protected Area, Police Warn Ahead of Tuesday Demonstrations.

Police Warn Against Accessing JKIA and Other Protected Areas Ahead of Tuesday's Protests

Police have issued a warning to protesters planning anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi on Tuesday, emphasizing that accessing protected areas is prohibited.

Following President William Ruto's withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, last month, protests against his administration have persisted. Demonstrators are calling for significant governmental reforms and, in some cases, the president's resignation. Despite the right to protest, Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja highlighted on Monday the importance of adhering to legal restrictions concerning protected areas.

"The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prohibits unauthorized entry into areas declared as protected," Kanja stated. "The Protected Areas Order, as clarified under 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)."

Kanja further mentioned that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act stipulates that trespassing on any land that is part of a government aerodrome constitutes an offense punishable by law.

"We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws," he added.