Kenyan political organisers must notify police three days before rallies

Political organisers in Kenya will have to notify police at least three days before holding a public meeting or procession under rules issued ahead of the 2027 General Election. They cannot submit the notice more than 14 days before the event.

The notice must go to the officer in charge of the police station covering the area. Organisers must provide their full names and physical addresses, along with the proposed venue or, for a procession, the intended route. They must also state the date and time, with events restricted to between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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It is important to remind all persons that, in accordance with Section 5(3)(a) and (c) of the Public Order Act, any person intending to convene a public meeting or procession must adhere to the following.

The National Police Service said the requirement would help officers plan security while safeguarding constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and participation in political activity. If two events are scheduled for the same date, time and venue, the regulating officer must tell one organiser that the event cannot proceed as planned. The organiser may then submit a different date, time or venue.

Police also warned that they would act against people involved in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings. The service said such conduct threatens public order and national cohesion while infringing on citizens’ constitutional rights.

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Such conduct undermines public order, threatens national cohesion and infringes upon the constitutional rights of citizens to associate peacefully, assemble and participate in political activities.