The National Police Service (NPS) has warned politicians and political organisers against inciting violence or disrupting peaceful gatherings ahead of a planned Linda Mwanachi rally on Sunday in Homa Bay.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement issued on August 16, as seen by  Kenyans.co.ke , NPS cautioned political leaders specifically and their supporters that anyone found provoking unrest will face the full force of the law.

“ The National Police Service warns politicians, organisers, and all other individuals against incitement, provocation, or any conduct likely to breach the peace. Offenders will face the full force of the law,” NPS stated.

The NPS also turned its warning inward, telling its own officers to remain professional and impartial while policing political events across the country.

📌 What You Need to Know

Police personnel deployed to rallies have been directed to avoid facilitating violence or disorder, and instead uphold restraint while safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly.

“ All officers deployed to political events or public gatherings are directed to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and restraint. They must facilitate the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring public order and safety, and remain strictly guided by the Standard Operating Procedures,” NPS said.

“Any individual found to be facilitating violence, disorder, or unlawful activity will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law, without exception.”

This warning comes as a series of violent activities have been witnessed in Homa Bay County, as the Linda Mwananchi brigade pushed to hold its rally in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stronghold, with armed goons blocking major roads into Homa Bay Town.

In this regard, the Linda Mwananchi leaders, such as Nairobi County Senator Edwin Sifuna, were forced to arrive in Homa Bay County by boat, while the rest of the convoy was forced to avoid the main roads that were infiltrated by armed goons. Additionally, amid heightened insecurity in the country, police were forced to provide the Linda Mwananchi convoy with a security escort, enabling them to pass through the country's insecure zones as they headed to their target points.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke