NAIROBI, Kenya- Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has said the police were formally notified in advance of Thursday’s nationwide peaceful marches marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, insisting security agencies had ample time to prepare and safeguard demonstrators.
According to Mwangi, a letter notifying the police of the planned march to Parliament in Nairobi, as well as parallel commemorative processions across the country, was delivered to Police Spokesperson Michael Nyaga Muchiri by a team of five lawyers.
The handover was witnessed by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, former Justice Minister Martha Karua, Professor and Senior Counsel Kivutha Kibwana, Senior Counsel Gitobu Imanyara, and Senior Counsel James Orengo.
In a statement accompanying a video of the letter’s delivery, Mwangi said the notification gave police sufficient time to organize security for the commemorative marches and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the demonstrations.
“The police had sufficient time to prepare to protect marchers and ensure that no goons infiltrate to harm protesters or loot businesses,” Mwangi said.
He added that it is the constitutional duty of the police to protect both lives and property during peaceful assemblies and to arrest anyone engaging in criminal activity.
Mwangi further warned that any failure by law enforcement to stop or arrest individuals who disrupt the demonstrations would raise serious questions about official complicity.
“If any goons appear today and are not arrested, we shall know they are working for President William Ruto,” he alleged.
The June 25 anniversary protests are intended to commemorate young Kenyans killed during last year’s anti-government demonstrations, which culminated in protesters breaching Parliament buildings after lawmakers passed the controversial Finance Bill.
The protests resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread allegations of excessive use of force by security agencies.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that they will provide security during lawful demonstrations while taking action against anyone involved in violence, destruction of property, or other criminal acts.