Acting Inspector General (IG) Police Douglas Kanja has warned the public regarding the planned anti-government protests on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
In a statement dated July 17, Kanja said the National Police Service (NPS) has received information that criminal gangs are planning to use the protests to conduct their attacks.
“In keeping with our Constitutional role and in the interest of national security, we wish to inform the public that we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to take advantage of the ongoing protests to execute their attacks including looting,” he said.
He explained that international security standards require peaceful demonstrators to have a leader who will be in touch with the police.
However, Kanja noted the lack of leadership in Gen Z peaceful protests has made it difficult for the NPS to ensure safety.
For this reason, the IG banned all protests in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and it’s surroundings until further notice.
“Acting on this information and in accordance with international security standards for public assemblies, which require a designated leader to coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with police for peaceful demonstrations, the lack of designated leadership in previous demonstrations has made it difficult to enforce safety protocols,” Kanja said.
“As a result, no demonstrations will be permitted in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.”
IG Appeal to Kenyans During Protests
Kanja appealed to all members of the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas, and to support collective safety and security by sharing any information that may help the Police in crime detection and prevention.
“As a Service, we wish to reiterate our commitment to partner with members of public and media to keep our country safe and secure for all of us,” he said.
The IG stated that the country has experienced enormous losses; people have been injured, lives lost, property and businesses destroyed, and livelihoods lost since the Gen Z demonstrations began in June 2024.
He maintained that criminals have continued to infiltrate the protesting groups, resulting in a troubling trend of disorderly and destructive conduct.
Kanja explained that the Constitution under Article 37 provides for the right for peaceful picketing and equally provides for the critical role that the NPS plays in the national security of our country.
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People Killed in July 16 Demos
The anti-government protests continued in different parts of the country including Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, July 16.
One person shot dead in Kitengela, Kajiado County while two people have also been reported dead after being shot by police officers during protests in Kibwezi, Makueni County.
Also Read: Gen Zs Announce Next Move After Tuesday Protests
Police Earlier Warning
IG Kanja had warned of organized criminal groups planning to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilize the peaceful demonstrations.
Kanja said the NPS was aware that criminals plans stating that it could interfere with the safety of the protesters.
The IG also 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.
KNCHR Numbers
On July 3, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that 50 had been killed since the demos started.
KNCHR recorded 82 more injuries on Tuesday, taking the number to 574 while there were 77 more arrests, pushing the tally to 1,201 since the protests began.
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