Masked police officers were deployed during anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday, June 12, in apparent defiance of a High Court ruling requiring all officers assigned to public assemblies to be identifiable at all times.
The demonstrations, sparked by demands for justice for Albert Ojwang’ and calls for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, coincided with the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget in Parliament. Protesters marched through the city center, waving placards and chanting slogans denouncing police misconduct and seeking accountability.
Tensions rose as multiple officers wearing balaclavas and lacking visible name tags or service numbers were observed dispersing crowds near Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, and Jeevanjee Gardens. Their presence appeared to violate an April 2025 court ruling by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, which explicitly directed that all police officers deployed to manage protests, picketing, or public assemblies must be in full uniform and remain visibly identifiable, prohibiting face masks or any concealment.
The ruling aimed to promote transparency, reduce instances of abuse, and foster public trust in law enforcement. Civil society actors and legal experts have since raised alarm over what they view as a blatant disregard for judicial orders.
As of Friday morning, the Interior Ministry and National Police Service had not issued an official response to the incident.
Written By Rodney Mbua
