The Ministry of Interior has announced the various offenders to expect during protests, amidst today’s expected heated Saba Saba demonstrations.
In a recent post on their X social media account, CS Kipchumba Murkomen reported on the government’s plans to protect the lives and properties of all Kenyans.
“We are fully committed to protecting the lives and property of all Kenyans, even as some exercise their rights to demonstrate, picket, and petition public authorities rightfully as enshrined in our Constitution,” he stated.
Also Read: Govt Suspends Immediate Travel from Mombasa to Nairobi Ahead of Saba Saba
“Our security agencies are on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property,” CS Murkomen added.
Reported goons to expect in Saba Saba Protests
Stone specialist
The Ministry of Interior has reported that protestors should expect the presence of goons who are stone throwers.
The post features a stylized illustration of a figure dressed in a hooded jacket and face mask, holding a rock in a raised fist.
“You’ll spot them at the front line with a fist full of stones and eyes locked on their target. Quick on their feet and deadly accurate, they turn pavements into weapons,” the post reads.
The June 2024 unrest, triggered by the Finance Bill 2024, saw protesters clashing with police, with stones reported as a common weapon.
Stones are accessible, requiring no advanced weaponry, making them a default for unarmed goons.
Molotov Guy
Molotov cocktail is a crude bomb, typically consisting of a bottle filled with a flammable liquid and a wick that is ignited before throwing.
The post features an illustration of a hooded, masked figure holding a Molotov cocktail in one hand and a lighter in the other.
The Ministry of Interior in the post further warns, “With a bottle in one hand and a lighter in the other, he’s here to burn everything to the ground. Stay cautious.”
On June 25, 2024, protesters stormed the Kenyan Parliament in Nairobi, setting parts of the building ablaze.
Panga Man
The government has warned of goons wielding pangas (machetes), claiming they threaten public safety ahead of the Saba Saba protests.
The post features a man in the middle of a road, gripping a panga (machete) in one hand.
The term “Panga Man” has recently gained prominence in Kenya, referring to a viral incident during protests in Nakuru’s London Estate.
A man, later identified as Hassan Mtimkavu, a Ugandan national, was filmed defiantly wielding a panga and confronting anti-riot police officers.
Also Read: IEBC Announces Voter Verification Portal Maintenance
The protests erupted following the fatal shooting of Daniel Nderitu, a local resident, during a police operation targeting suspected drug dealers.
Plank Carrier
During recent protests, images and videos of individuals carrying wooden planks have circulated on social media. These visuals have been interpreted by some as symbols of resistance or defense against law enforcement actions.
In response to the protests, the Ministry of Interior released a video on June 29, 2025, portraying the demonstrations as violent and labelling participants with terms like “Gen Z Madness” and “Violent Protests.”
This video faced backlash for allegedly downplaying the protesters’ grievances and omitting instances of police brutality.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) reported that during the June 25 demonstrations, 19 people were confirmed dead, 531 injured, and 15 cases of enforced disappearances were documented.
While the “plank carrier” may not be an officially recognized figure, the imagery has become a reflection of the broader struggle between protesters and state authorities in Kenya.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
