In an unexpected move, police bodyguards seconded to Azimio La Umoja coalition leaders who want to attend the protests on Tuesday were ordered back on Monday.
All police officers assigned to coalition VIPs received a random message from their commander instructing them to report to the Security of Government Building offices and turn in their weapons.
Perhaps the goal is to intimidate the protest leaders into staying away from the demonstrations.
“To all officers whose VIPs will participate in tomorrow’s demonstration (Maandamano) you are advised not to accompany them (VIPs) on the same, instead you are supposed to report to U/Camp, return your firearms at the SGB armory and be on standby at the Unit Headquarters as you await for onward communication,” read part of the message sent to the officers.
The VIPs who include Members of Parliament are usually guarded by police officers.
The move by police authorities is also seen as part of efforts to avoid confrontations between anti-riot police and the bodyguards.
There are plans to approach the Tuesday protests differently. This may end up having several arrests, officials said even though they know the move is illegal given the constitution guarantees the freedom to stage protests.
There are also fears rival groups mobilized by political leaders may cause mayhem.
Police said they are aware of the move and announced they had not sought help from any quarter.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei warned any group against engaging in confrontations saying they have enough personnel to deal with the situation.
“Those will be deemed criminals. We don’t need any help from such people,” he said.
Anti-riot police deployed to disperse any group planning a protest have been ordered to employ new tactics before they charge at the protesters.
Police believe the protests will be held majorly in Nairobi.
The anti-riot teams have been supplied with loudspeakers that they will use in declaring a proclamation before charging at the protesters.
They will announce the meeting or protest is unlawful and read the sections of the law they are citing before taking any action.
There are plans to disperse and make arrests as part of ways of defusing the protesters.
Dozens of anti-riot police officers have been mobilized from police colleges and other formations for the mission.
