The Acting Inspector General of National Police Service (NPS) Douglas Kanja has warned of organized criminal groups who have planned to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilize the peaceful demonstrations organized by the Gen Z.
In a statement on July 16, Kanja said the NPS was aware that Kenyans are exercising their fundamental right to peacefully assemble, picket and demonstrate under Article 37 of our Constitution.
However, he urged the protestors to remain peaceful and vigilant.
“This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organized criminal groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilize the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, which could potentially jeopardize the safety of demonstrators,” Kanja said.
The IG noted that the recent protests have resulted in the collective pain and suffering for families and the disruption of business and normal working operations for thousands of Kenyans.
“In the recent past, however, we have regrettably witnessed the tragic loss of lives, injuries, violence, criminal conduct and the destruction of property from similar protests, ” he added.
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National Police IG Douglas Kanja Asks Gen Z to Protest Peaceful
He further urged the protestors to remain peaceful and vigilant. Please collaborate, cooperate and coordinate with the police to ensure your safety and our collective security as Kenyans is guaranteed during the event.”
“To reiterate; our mission as the National Police Service is to uphold the rule of law; serve and protect; maintain law and order, and ensure that every Kenyan enjoys their constitutional rights,” the statement reads further.
The Gen Z movement has vowed to sustain the pressure in calling for drastic actions with some still pushing for the resignation of the President in the Tuesday July 16 protests.
This is after on July 11, the head of state bowed to pressure and dismissed his Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General Justin Muturi, a decision that Kenyans received with great jubilation.
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“Upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have, in line with the powers given to me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General from the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,” said Ruto.
Gen Z youth want transparent budgeting and an end to wastage and rampant corruption where politicians, and civil servants must cease stealing, money laundering, and purchasing loyalty through public appearances at religious events, funerals, and weddings.
Furthermore, they want an end to police brutality and extrajudicial killings, scrapping of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), abolishing the house levy, proper audit of the national debt and the re-constitution of the IEBC within 30 days to aid in recalling of the Members of Parliament.
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