Written By Lisa Murimi
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja advised Gen Z protesters on Tuesday morning to exercise caution and maintain peaceful demonstrations.
In his statement, Kanja revealed that his office had received credible information about potential criminal infiltration of the protests.
Kanja urged protesters to collaborate with the police to ensure their safety and to avoid violence and bloodshed, which have marred past protests.
“The National Police Service notes that there are planned demonstrations today, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, organized by young Kenyans, also known as Gen Z, to exercise their fundamental right to peacefully assemble, picket, and demonstrate under Article 37 of our Constitution,” stated Kanja.
He expressed concern over past protests that resulted in loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of property, disrupting daily life and business operations.
“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 added.
Since mid-June, human rights activists estimate that at least 50 people have died in the protests. The police caution came as peaceful protests began in areas such as Kitengela and Eldoret. Video clips showed youths marching along the Nairobi-Namanga highway, raising tensions in Kitengela.
Early Tuesday, police deployments were reported in several towns, with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers spotted at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Eldoret saw arrests, including a protester detained for buying a flag and whistle. Despite these tensions, Nairobi remained largely peaceful, with traders shutting their shops in anticipation of the protests.
