Police have restricted Linda Mwananchi supporters from accessing Nairobi's Central Business District as the opposition movement prepares for a major rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Sunday.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had received formal notification of the rally from Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and would provide security for lawful activities.
But he said the CBD would remain out of bounds after police received intelligence that groups could mobilise youths to confront rival supporters.
The programme is expected to begin around All Saints Cathedral before supporters proceed to Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East.
The police decision raises an important constitutional question.
Article 37 of Kenya's Constitution protects every person's right, "peaceably and unarmed", to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities.
But that right is not unlimited. Police can impose proportionate restrictions where there is a legitimate and demonstrable public-safety concern.
The contentious question is whether restricting access to an entire CBD is necessary and proportionate to the specific security threat identified.
Police insist they are not banning the Jacaranda meeting itself. Mohamud said officers would secure the event and facilitate lawful political activity.
Today's rally is also politically important.
Linda Mwananchi has emerged as a platform bringing together Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and other opposition figures.
Recent violence at political meetings makes the security concerns difficult to dismiss. But how authorities enforce the restrictions will be just as important as the restrictions themselves.
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Category: Politics
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