Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has called on protesters to stay away from protected government areas and maintain peace during the planned protests on June 25. These demonstrations are being held in memory of those who died in the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which saw a deadly crackdown and sparked national outrage.
What Did IG Kanja Say Ahead of the Protests?
In a press briefing that lasted under ten minutes, IG Kanja made it clear that officers will operate strictly within the law to protect lives and property. He urged demonstrators to follow the law and avoid provoking the police.
“Officers shall act within the confines of the law to protect lives and property,” Kanja stated, flanked by senior police officials including DCI Director Amin Mohamed, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, Deputy Inspector General in charge of APS Gilbert Masengeli, and Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda.
Kanja emphasized the need for restraint and order from both protesters and law enforcement. He did not take any questions from journalists following his statement.
How Is Nairobi Police Preparing for the June 25 Protests?
Nairobi Police Commander George Seda reaffirmed that the city’s security teams are fully prepared to handle the demonstrations. Speaking earlier on June 18, Seda assured residents of the capital that adequate measures had been taken to ensure public safety.
“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe,” he said.
Seda confirmed that police had received formal notice of the protest through the proper legal channels, including a letter delivered to Central Police Station.
What Guidelines Have Been Given to Protesters?
Seda appealed to the public to maintain peaceful conduct throughout the protests and avoid disrupting daily business activities. He cautioned against gatherings that escalate into violence, stressing that such actions undermine the purpose of the demonstration.
“Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations. Let’s not have demonstrations that are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators,” he said.
“Remember, it will be a working day and we shall be having people operating hotels, shops, and other businesses. We are looking uncivilised when we start converging, and then as we continue, it turns violent and beats the logic of conducting it, which makes the situation worse.”
The call for calm comes as civil society groups and Gen Z organizers prepare to take to the streets in remembrance and resistance.
By Lucky Ayanje
