Police Warn Against Planned Protest at DP’s Residence in Karen

Tensions continue to rise in the capital as police on Tuesday issued a stern warning against a planned protest at the official residence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Karen, Nairobi.

The protest, announced by the Farmers Party, was reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, in response to a recent Court of Appeal ruling on the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. According to a letter shared by Farmers Party leader Irungu Nyakera on his official X account, the group planned to march to the Karen residence to “reinstate” Gachagua as the rightful holder of the office.

Anti-riot police were promptly deployed to major routes in and out of the Karen area, with officers instructed to stop and inspect any suspicious vehicles and motorcycles. Nairobi region police commander George Sedah made it clear that the planned protest would not be allowed to proceed. “They should keep off for now,” he stated.

The letter, authored by Farmers Party Executive Director George Wakibi Njogu, argued that the demonstration was constitutionally protected and motivated by a desire to uphold the rule of law. “Following the ruling of the Court of Appeal on the removal from office of H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, we will be holding a peaceful procession to the official Deputy President residence in Karen to reinstall him as the Deputy President designate,” the letter read.

Njogu further emphasized the party’s commitment to the democratic principles enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. “Our intention is to protect the sovereign will of the Kenyan people who elected H.E. Rigathi Gachagua as the Deputy President in 2022,” he added.

Despite the party’s appeal to the Inspector General for police protection to ensure the protest remains peaceful, authorities remain firm in their decision to prevent any gathering near the Deputy President’s residence. Police say the move is precautionary and necessary to maintain public order and security.

This development follows the Farmers Party’s recent decision to formally withdraw from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance. The announcement, made through a letter addressed to the coalition’s leadership and the Registrar of Political Parties, marks a significant shift in the political dynamics within the ruling alliance.

As of Tuesday morning, the situation in Karen remained calm but tense, with a visible presence of security personnel around key access routes.

In other news: UDA Dismisses Rigathi Gachagua’s Resignation, Declares It Null and Void

Police Warn Against Planned Protest at DP’s Residence in Karen