Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Michael Kamau, has asked the people not to light fires on roads during demonstrations.
Kamau said the construction and maintenance of roads was costing the country billions of shillings, and the roads should therefore be protected from quick destruction.
“I know the constitution gives rights to Kenyans to demonstrate, however, do not light fires on the roads so that they can last many years and serve generations after us,” said CS Kamau.
He was speaking at Kikuyu where he toured the Southern Bypass passing through the area. The bypass is a new road constructed by the China Roads and Bridges Corporation Limited.
“For one to hold a demonstration anywhere in Kenya, they need a permit from the nearest police station where the demonstration will be held,” he said.
He noted that the demonstration is also expected to be peaceful with the police on standby to provide security.
“However, if the demonstration turns chaotic or destructive, the police are expected to step in and restore calm by putting out fires, unblocking traffic where a road is closed down and also talking to the people to go home or disperse,” he said.