‘We Have Enhanced Plans,’ Police Vow Protection for Peaceful Protesters on June 25

Nairobi Regional Police Commander assures public of enhanced security measures as Gen Z memorial protests approach

Police have pledged to safeguard peaceful demonstrators during the upcoming June 25 memorial march, marking one year since deadly protests against the controversial Finance Bill that left several people dead.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda on Wednesday assured the public that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for what organizers have dubbed the “Gen Z Memorial March” – a day opposition leaders want recognized as a symbolic public holiday to honor those killed during last year’s demonstrations.

“For June 25th, we have what we call enhanced plans for that. I want to urge our public, let’s restrict ourselves to peaceful demonstrations,” Seda told reporters, emphasizing that officers are prepared to protect all participants who observe legal guidelines.

The memorial march comes exactly one year after the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests turned violent following a police crackdown that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The demonstrations were sparked by public opposition to punitive tax measures proposed in the bill.

Seda sought to reassure the public that police are not adversaries of peaceful protesters, citing successful facilitation of recent demonstrations by nurses and other groups.

“We are not at war with the public. We are here to provide safety for everyone, protesters, businesspeople, media, and all,” he stated.

However, the police commander warned against allowing the protests to turn violent, referencing incidents from Tuesday’s anti-police brutality demonstrations where four cases of malicious damage, seven phone thefts, and two shop break-ins were reported.

Two businesswomen in the Imenti area reportedly lost merchandise worth 2.2 million shillings combined.

“We cannot tolerate thuggery in the name of protests,” Seda declared, while distancing law enforcement from criminal elements that witnesses claimed were working alongside police during recent protests.

In a significant development, Seda confirmed that an officer filmed shooting a protester at close range has been arrested. Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde from Kayole Station and Duncan Kiprono from Kilimani Station are now in custody at Capitol Police Station and will face legal proceedings.

The police commander reiterated that officers are prohibited from using live ammunition during protest management, stating that riot control relies on tear gas and protective gear rather than live bullets.

Police deny collusion with goons

Seda has categorically denied allegations that police officers collaborated with armed gangs during Tuesday’s protests, while assuring the public of comprehensive security measures for the upcoming June 25 memorial march.

He dismissed claims that officers had joined forces with goons who infiltrated the demonstration calling for the resignation of Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Lagat, stating that armed gangs were not part of police operational briefings.

“The goons and the police had no relations,” Seda declared, explaining that it was difficult for officers to differentiate between protesters and infiltrators during the chaotic scenes.

“Goons were not in our briefing, and it was also difficult to differentiate between the goons and protesters.”

The police commander’s remarks come amid public outcry after armed gangs were seen taking frontline positions against peaceful protesters while under police watch, raising suspicions of collaboration between law enforcement and criminal elements.

Seda revealed that a special investigative team has been assembled to identify the goons and determine who hired them, noting that direct questioning of suspected orchestrators would be futile as they would simply deny involvement.

Instead, he indicated that arrests and interrogations of suspects would uncover the truth.

When pressed about whether Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja might have hired the goons to restore order, Seda suggested that such direct accusations would be denied, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.

Opposition figures continue to push for June 25 to be declared a public holiday, amid ongoing concerns about what they describe as “persistent targeting, kidnappings, abductions, intimidation, unlawful arrests and murder of young people.”

The memorial protests are expected to draw large crowds as activists demand justice for victims of police brutality and call for an end to the alleged targeting of young protesters. With businesses and other establishments operating normally on the working day, police face the challenge of balancing protest rights with public safety and economic activity.

As the anniversary approaches, the events of June 25, 2024 remain a painful reminder of the tensions between authorities and citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, with many hoping this year’s commemorative march will proceed without the violence that marked its predecessor.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​